High Snobiety

Rare Rolex Daytona "John Player Special” Sells for Record $1.5 Million

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 13:42:55 GMT

An extremely rare Rolex Daytona Paul Newman ref. 6264 “John Player Special” watch has sold for a record for £1,215,000 (or $1,545,723) at Sotheby’s. This sets a new record price for a watch sold in an online auction.

Many watch aficionados consider the Rolex John Player Special as one of the rarest and most desirable Rolex Daytona iterations. It gets its name from the ’70s-era John Player livery found on Lotus Formula One team cars. The ref. 6264 configuration is the effect of a number of converging degrees of rarity, and only a handful are known to exist.

While several stainless steel versions of this watch have been made, according to Sotheby’s, only ten are known to be set in 18-karat gold. This is matched with another extremely rare feature, a Paul Newman dial in black.

The watch sold in Sotheby’s single-lot online auction, which ran for one week from July 24 to 31. It attracted 17 bids on the way to its record-breaking final price.

Not only is this the heftiest sum paid for a watch in an online auction, this marks the new record price for a Daytona John Player Special sold, and it also sets the record for a wristwatch auctioned in the United Kingdom.

Master P Says J. Cole Is Going to Try Out for the NBA

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 11:30:08 GMT

It appears J. Cole is going after his hoop dreams. According to Master P, Cole is making a detour from his rap career to try out for the NBA.

Speaking to TMZ on Friday, Master P revealed that he spoke to Cole directly about making the transition from rap to the NBA. P famously made the transition himself during the 1998 and 1999 pre-seasons. The veteran baller and rapper claims that Cole is hoping to be the next rapper to make the jump.

“When I talked to J. Cole, he was like ‘You know, big dog you did it. What do you think I would have to do to make it happen?'” Master P explained. “I said to get one of these NBA jerseys, it’s not gonna be easy. It’s gonna be a lot of hate, it’s gonna be a lot of people not believing in you but you know J. Cole – he got the right size, he in the gym!”

Master P said that J. Cole is really gunna try out for the NBA ???????? pic.twitter.com/06t6G7K55N

— Team DREAMVILLE (@TeamDreamville) August 1, 2020

Cole insinuated he was pursuing the NBA last week when the rapper released a commercial for his new Puma basketball sneaker, the RS-Dreamer. In the 30-second clip, Cole is shown training while Master P narrates.

☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️DREAMER☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️ Thank you og @MasterPMiller ????????

Dreamer available tomorrow @puma @footlocker pic.twitter.com/NSZPvPpSdb

— J. Cole (@JColeNC) July 30, 2020

Furthermore, in a recent open letter published for The Players’ Tribune, “The Audacity,” Cole explained how basketball has always come second to rap. He revealed that he gave up the chance to play professionally to focus on his equally “delusional” dream of being one of the greatest rappers ever.

Now, after achieving his musical dreams, it appears J. Cole is ready to take a shot at the NBA.

Apple Is Now the World’s Most Valuable Company

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 10:43:46 GMT

Apple has become the world’s most valuable publicly-traded company, surpassing Saudi state oil giant Aramco at Friday’s market close, NBC News reports.

Despite the Coronavirus pandemic, Apple is making big wins. This Friday, Apple shares closed up by 10.47 percent, giving it a market valuation of $1.84 trillion. In comparison, Saudi Aramco, which had been the most valuable publicly listed company since its market debut in 2019, now stands at $1.76 trillion.

This news comes after Apple announced strong fiscal third-quarter earnings of $59.7 billion. Apple also announced a 4-for-1 stock split, with shares up more than 44 percent this year.

“We’re conscious of the fact that these results stand in stark relief during a time of real economic adversity,” Apple CEO Tim Cook said of the company’s blowout quarterly earnings.

It appears the company has more than recovered from its pandemic low-point in March.

Drake Is Under Fire for Appropriating Dancehall

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 12:15:52 GMT

Dancehall icon, Mavado, is accusing Drake of appropriating dancehall on his new track, “Enemy Line.” This is the latest instance of Drake being called out for exploiting dancehall culture.

Last week, Drake seemingly took shots at Mavado on his “Only You Freestyle” with Headie One. He referenced Mavado’s nemesis Popcaan and his home town Cassava Piece in this line: “With Pop Skull in Gaza, but not that Gaza, but still it’s a mazza/N***as want peace like Cassava.”

Mavado’s scathing new single goes after the Canadian artist’s “tough guy attitude” and claims that he wishes he was Jamaican. “You will neva be a yard man,” he sings.

For anyone doubting his shots were aimed at the Canadian rapper, Mavado shared a post to Instagram with the caption: “Remember this. Dancehall a mi play ground,” he wrote. “You are not from Dancehall. You have no Power in Dancehall n everybody know who introduce you to Dancehall so don’t feel like you can come disrespect Gully take that out you brain n don’t dweet again.”

View this post on Instagram

Suh yuh wa be like wi, and try style the thing. Remember this Dancehall a mi play ground, Dancehall is my job. I’ve been a superstar over 15yrs and created countless hit songs in my genre while developing my unique singjay style of which The new generation is all about today solidifying the craft ????????????. You are not from Dancehall You have no Power in Dancehall n everybody know who introduce you to Dancehall so don’t feel like you can come disrespect Gully take that out you brain n don’t dweet again. ????????

A post shared by David Brooks (@mavadogully) on Jul 29, 2020 at 8:14pm PDT

Drake’s dancehall obsession and use of Patois in songs has always toed the line between homage and exploitation. Mavado is not the first person to call out Drake’s culture vulture antics.

Sean Paul previously criticized the likes of Drake for appropriating the culture and getting more chart success that true dancehall artists. “It is a sore point when people like Drake or Bieber or other artists come and do dancehall-orientated music but don’t credit where dancehall came from and they don’t necessarily understand it.”

Take a listen to some real dancehall and stream Mavado’s “Enemy Line” below.

Jean-Michel Basquiat Work Becomes Most Expensive In-App Purchase for $10.8 Million

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 11:28:48 GMT

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s 1982 artwork Untitled has sold for $10.8 million via the Fair Warning app. This sets an all-time record for an in-app purchase.

Yesterday, Fair Warning announced that it had sold Basquiat’s piece for the world record price. The oil stick on paper was initially estimated to sell for between $8 million to $12 million.

Former Christie’s co-chairman Loïc Gouzer debuted Fair Warning last week. The artwork auction app sees a single piece of art auctioned off each week. Started during lockdown, Gouzer wanted to see whether the art world could pivot to online sales in a meaningful way.

“It’s really an experiment,” said Gouzer. “The idea was to create a guerrilla type of auction system where you could start moving paintings by using the cloud rather than physical locations.”

For now, only a limited number of buyers have been invited to participate. Unlike auction houses like Sotheby’s and Christie’s that consider themselves democratic outlets, Fair Warning has limited spots.

An Executive Action Aims to Ban TikTok in the US This Weekend

Sat, 01 Aug 2020 11:00:57 GMT

President Donald Trump has announced that he is banning the Chinese-owned video-sharing app TikTok in the US.

“As far as TikTok is concerned, we’re banning them from the United States,” he told reporters on Air Force One late Friday and shared that he intended to act as soon as Saturday, August 1. It’s unclear how the administration plans to enact this, but he went on to note, “Well, I have that authority. I can do it with an executive order or that.”

ABOARD AIR FORCE ONE (AP) — Trump says he’ll act as soon as Saturday to ban Chinese-owned video app TikTok from US on security fears.

— Jonathan Lemire (@JonLemire) August 1, 2020

This announcement follows another week of speculation over the future of the popular app, as its parent company, Chinese firm ByteDance, has been under pressure from the United States to sell the app – with the likely suitor being Microsoft, according to reports.

US security officials expressed their concern that the Chinese-owned app could be used to collect the personal data of Americans. Meanwhile, TikTok has denied accusations that it is controlled by or shares data with the Chinese government. This comes amid heightened tensions between the Republican Administration and China and follows several cases of Chinese-targeted hate speech by the president himself.

It’s unclear how the government plans to enact this ban and what legal challenges it would face. Banning the fast-growing app would be a blow to almost 80 million active monthly users in the US alone.

World’s Most Boomer Tech Company in Talks to Buy Gen Z Staple TikTok

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 23:52:45 GMT

Microsoft is reportedly in talks to buy TikTok. News of the potential acquisition comes as TikTok’s Chinese owner, ByteDance, is currently under pressure from the United States to sell the app, as Trump has been mulling a stateside ban of the service.

The U.S. government has cited security risks due to the Chinese company’s control of the app as its reason for a possible injunction. Bloomberg reports via multiple sources that the Trump administration has put the decision on hold — for now — leaving time for an interested buyer to purchase TikTok’s U.S. operations.

If Microsoft does decide to acquire TikTok, it will be forced to overcome multiple hurdles. For example, the Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S. would have to review and then approve the deal, as it poses a potential threat to national security.

Bloomberg points out that Microsoft has previously experimented with social media investments, but it has never developed or possessed its own program targeting younger consumers. TikTok currently ranks among the most popular apps in the U.S., making it easy to see the appeal for Microsoft.

“Hundreds of millions of people come to TikTok for entertainment and connection, including our community of creators and artists who are building livelihoods from the platform,” a TikTok spokeswoman said Friday. “We’re motivated by their passion and creativity, and committed to protecting their privacy and safety as we continue working to bring joy to families and meaningful careers to those who create on our platform.”

Visit Bloomberg for more on Microsoft’s potential acquisition of TikTok.

Ojas & Virgil Abloh Are Releasing New DIY Speaker Kits

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 22:57:16 GMT

Visit the original post to see all 4 images from this gallery.

Ojas has teamed up with Virgil Abloh and his art and design subdivision, Canary Yellow, on a new selection of DIY speaker kits. Leading the way are the Ojas 2-way Speaker Kit and the Bookshelf Speaker Kit, which will be available beginning tomorrow, August 1.

Ojas’ Devon Turnbull came up with the idea for the project as a means to combat boredom while in quarantine. The kits arrive as complete packages, featuring all of the hardware and additional components to build the speakers. If you find yourself in need of some help during the assembly, you can utilize the instructional videos on Ojas’ IGTV.

The Ojas 2-way Speaker Kit and the Bookshelf Speaker Kit retail for $2,400 and $1,400, respectively, coming to the Canary Yellow web store on August 1. The speakers will be complemented by a range of graphic T-shirts, which you can check out in the gallery below.

View this post on Instagram

One of the best things about the kit program has been forming new relationships with all of the incredible participants. Early on a friend told me that one of her favorite still life photographers was building the Bookshelf kit and taking beautiful photos of the process. @_dominator is not only incredibly talented, but also obviously passionate about his craft, because he must have spent more time taking photos of the process of building the speakers than actually building them. I’ll make a story highlight with the stories he posted while building. Bookshelf speaker kit is dropping again this Saturday on @canary____yellow in the Ojas.nyc shop in shop. ???? @_dominator

A post shared by Devon Turnbull (@devonojas) on Jul 30, 2020 at 7:34am PDT

View this post on Instagram

Saturday, August 1 at 11am EST Available at @canary____yellow and www.ojas.nyc I’m super excited about my first tee drop in over 10 years. From Tree Type I first put on Ojas tees in 1999, to the 7+ years I dedicated to the graphic tee program at Nom de Guerre, to ongoing collaborations with @virgilabloh, to obscure audio and electronics references, these four designs represent my past, present and future. ✌️❤️????

A post shared by Devon Turnbull (@devonojas) on Jul 31, 2020 at 12:08pm PDT

Michael Jordan’s Banned Air Ship Is Actually Releasing

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 19:41:40 GMT

Visit the original post to see all 10 images from this gallery.

The sneakers Michael Jordan wore in his first few games with the Chicago Bulls are finally set to release after roughly 36 years. Italian retailer Backdoor Bottega is scheduled to launch the Air Ship Pro this Saturday, August 1.

Jordan laced up the Nike Air Ship Pro at the beginning of the 1984-85 season, prior to wearing the Air Jordan 1. He was infamously forbidden from wearing the former because the colorway did not align with NBA standards at that time. This ultimately led to a $5,000 fine for each game MJ donned the Air Ship.

The sneaker featured the upper of the Nike Air Ship and the midsole of the Nike Pro Circuit tennis shoe, as the midsole of the normal Air Ship was both too heavy and too high for Jordan’s liking. It was never made available for purchase — until now — 36 years later.

“All I can say, speaking as a collector and big fan of Michael Jordan, is that I am really proud and excited for the choice of the Jordan Brand to give me and my store Backdoor Bottega the exclusive premiere of this masterpiece,” said Marco Evangelisti, Backdoor Bottega founder.

The Jordan Air Ship Pro will be available via an in-store raffle on August 1, followed by a global raffle on August 3. Visit Backdoor Bottega for more details.

View this post on Instagram

February 25, 1985 The Story starts here. X X X B A N N E D X X X . . Video by @frame24official . #jordanbanned #nba #jumpman23 #airshippro #jordanairshippro #jumpman #thestorystartshere #birthofashoe #unbanning #backdoorbottega @evanga

A post shared by Back Door Bottega (@backdoorbottega) on Jul 31, 2020 at 7:59am PDT

To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, follow @Highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, check our sneaker release date calendar, and subscribe to our sneaker chatbot on Facebook to receive lightning quick updates to your inbox.

How Eric Emanuel Became the King of Shorts

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:38:44 GMT

Eric Emanuel lives and works in New York’s Garment District, not too far from the factory where he makes his eponymous label.

“I set my whole life up here,” he says. “I live here, my office is here, the factories are here, and I get to see the madness all day.”

The madness occurs every Friday, where Emanuel releases a small drop of products on his website, where they usually last about a few seconds before selling out, much to the chagrin of his hundreds of thousands of Instagram followers. His line consists of many sportswear staples that characterize other independent streetwear labels: hoodies, T-shirts, sweatpants, and even some thermals in the cooler months. But the one thing he’s absolutely nailed? It’s gotta be the shorts.

Indeed, whether it’s solid colors or out-there prints that range from florals, paisleys, or an insane print of the New York City skyline, Emanuel has become synonymous with some of the best above-the-knee knickers on the market. And unlike the other New York Knickerbockers, Emanuel’s shorts have been big winners for his brand. In the past couple of years, he’s gone from hometown hero to global collab king, working with beverage companies like Mountain Dew, sneaker companies like adidas and Reebok, and now the Philadelphia 76ers basketball team on an array of covetable gear.

Emanuel’s personal uniform usually consists of a pair of his popular mesh shorts, a vintage tee, and a Yankees fitted. As a flex he’ll finish off the fit with a pair of his collaborative Reebok Club C sneakers, one of many models he’s done with the Boston-based sportswear label. But he’s also open to stepping up his game by switching it up with a pair of Gucci loafers, a clear co-sign of a trend that’s been spotted on Instagram. Then again, as Emanuel points out, part of the fun about his flagship product is it really isn’t that serious.

“I think that’s why the shorts have been such a success, because it’s not binary in the sense that you have to wear them in a certain way,” he says. “Wear it however you want, it’s a pair of mesh shorts.”

The king of shorts took a break from running his kingdom to talk about his rise to success, how he found his lane, and other project he has in the works. Ironically, it’s kind of a long story.

Where are you from Eric?

I’m from Syracuse originally, and then I moved here eight or nine years ago to go to FIT for marketing. Towards the end of my senior year I started making jerseys, and ended up running with that.

When did you start your label?

When I was getting out of school I didn’t want to go work somewhere, so I sort of just maneuvered — I was paying to make product off my credit card, I’d then move that balance to another card just waiting for that moment when a product would sell and I could pay the bill. Betting on myself, knowing some day it would work.

When does your shorts story begin?

The shorts would have been three years ago I think. I started with a heavier short — like a very traditional basketball short from Mitchell & Ness. But theirs wasn’t really what I wanted to wear. I didn’t like the big waistband; I didn’t like the weight. So I switched to something that’s practically my lacrosse short from high school — a very basic single layer short. That’s where I found success, but even so I would say it took until the end of last summer for it to really catch fire.

It seems when you do a drop every Friday it sells out instantly. Is that exhilarating or frustrating?

It’s frustrating. You would think that you’d be so excited to sell your product out in a day, that it should be this harmonious moment. Unfortunately, you have to deal with everyone who’s upset they didn’t get it. So I’m trying to find a balance of fulfilling the demand and going a little beyond it.

I had no idea this sort of “cozy revolution” would’ve taken over. Everything I’ve released over the past two months was made in the winter. The quantities were super low and it sold out way too fast. Then we had to stop making shorts for about two months and wait for New York to become a bit safer. It’s been a whirlwind.

How else has Covid-19 affected your business?

I pulled everything forward because I didn’t know where the economy was going. I didn’t know what was going to happen. And it sort of backfired in the sense that I ran out of product, and it wasn’t safe to continue making more until a month ago. That’s when we really hit the ground running. Everyone’s hungry to work, but it was very difficult to figure out how to do it in a safe manner. Now, whatever is made this week is being sold next week. And I’m very lucky that since I make the product in New York so I can sort of schedule it that way. In an ideal world, we would be six weeks ahead.

It’s pretty ballsy to call your product “The Best Shorts in the World,” but there it is printed on the packaging. What separates your shorts from others on the market?

I focused on a product that not necessarily everyone cared about. People would run shorts here and there, but it was never their core item. Instead of starting with a T-Shirt, I went into a market where there was less competition figured out how to own that. Why is it the best short? I think it’s because it’s essentially your favorite short, but a bit elevated. It falls little bit above the knee, you can size up if you want it to be baggier, and it just wears well.

There’s something for everyone. I personally like solid colors, but a lot of people love the patterns. The patterns tend to be motifs that I relate to at the time — sort of where my head’s at. I have an infatuation with rugs, so we ran with it. Luckily others seem to love rugs as well, because they’re probably the top pattern this season.

Speaking of balls, is there a recommended shorts-and-undies combo for maximum breathability?

Uniqlo Airism boxer briefs! I have such an appreciation Uniqlo basics. I’m there like once or twice a week.

At $98 a pop, that’s a good chunk of change, but it’s also not egregious. How do you justify that price?

I think $98 is a price most people are comfortable with given that they’re made in New York. If I had to wholesale these shorts, the retail should be at least $150 or $160. The fact that I do direct-to-consumer allows me to keep it at $98. At the end of the day, it’s not necessarily a “luxury product,” it’s a made-in-the-USA basketball short. It’s important to note that it’s made in New York and all the components are sourced from the United States. I get comments all the time of people saying: “Oh, he’s selling a pair of $10 shorts with a logo on it.” That’s not even close.

It’s expensive to make things here, but the craftsmanship speaks for itself. To speak on the process a bit: The mesh arrives; it’s sent to a cutting room; after that they’re sent to be sewn; a truck grabs them and takes them to be screen printed; another truck grabs them to where they’re steamed/pressed and packaged; and finally they’re shipped.

How does it feel to see people reselling your shorts?

I don’t think there’s a right answer for that. It’s a good feeling to know that your product’s in demand, but I’m also like: “Gee, I wish it went to the people that actually want it.” It’s frustrating when I see it on Grailed or eBay. People have commented that they wish I would do a pre-order so I can meet the demand, but I’m an instant gratification shopper — I want what I bought ASAP!

View this post on Instagram

*official images* cya Fridayyyyyyyyyy ????

A post shared by eric emanuel (@ericemanuel) on Jul 20, 2020 at 2:26pm PDT

Beyond shorts, you’ve also done collaborations with New Era on caps, and kicks with both adidas and Reebok, how would you describe the EE signature touch to these products?

The partners I work with are all brands I grew up with. For the most part, I want all of the product I touch to remain as classic as it should. I may throw in my favorite “EE Pink” — PANTONE213C – the color blocking of the original product remains intact.

You’ve also got this 76ers collab coming up, right after another iteration of Iverson’s sneakers. Is it weird to be making basketball shorts when there hasn’t been a season until recently?

I always go back to one thing: Allen Iverson was always number one on my mood board. The recent collaborations are truly a dream come true. The lack of games hasn’t affected my desire for shorts — I love shorts with or without basketball, and whether it’s summer or winter. It’s exciting to see things kicking off this weekend though!

View this post on Instagram

Official 76ers® merchandise

A post shared by eric emanuel (@ericemanuel) on Jul 27, 2020 at 11:07am PDT

What other collaborations are you cooking up?

The Reebok Club C-EE is up next! My favorite shoe to date: an easy, everyday wear. It’s the first shoe I’ve done that my Mom and Dad can wear often, [laughs] that makes me so happy.

In the past you’ve experimented with fabrics like mohair, leather, and bouclé, both on shorts and sweatpants, is there a dream material you haven’t worked with yet?

I really love cashmere. Cashmere shorts would be amazing, but that seems like a pretty standard answer — so maybe GORE-TEX? That, and and more waxed canvas.

This Luxury Chinese Brand’s First Sneaker Uses 4D Technology

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:24:57 GMT

Visit the original post to see all 4 images from this gallery.

Brand: Shang Xia

Model: Shuneaker, in two styles

Key Features: The pastel green 3D printed sole that resembles the structure of bamboo and, on the limited edition model, the embroidered silk upper and the elasticated knot closure that replaces conventional laces.

Release Date: Pre-order starts on August 4 and the sneaker releases on August 18

Price: $385/￥2680 for the limited edition model, and $315/￥2180 for the general release

Buy: Online, at Shang Xia’s stores in Shanghai, Beijing, and Paris, at select INXX stores, and via the 2CCM app

Editor’s Notes: Luxury Chinese brand Shang Xia has taken its first step into sneaker territory with the Shuneaker, a high-end sneaker with a 3D printed sole created using 4D technology.

For those unfamiliar with Shang Xia, the brand was established in 2008 to shift the perception of “made in China” goods by blending modern aesthetics with traditional Chinese craftsmanship. Shang Xia’s product range includes clothing, accessories, furniture, and jewelry, which are designed using methods inspired by artisan techniques and constructed from materials sourced from within China. Two of their products – a woven bamboo handbag and a traditional lidded box – are on permanent display at the British Museum and the Victoria & Albert Museum in London.

Continuing to merge tradition and modernity, Shang Xia has now launched its first sneaker, the Shuneaker, using 4D technology. The sneaker comes in two styles, both of which feature a pale green, 3D printed sole that resembles the structure of bamboo.

Limited to just 66 pieces, the more exclusive style forgoes conventional laces in favor of an elasticated knot-and-loop closure reminiscent of those found on traditional Chinese clothing. Additionally, the upper boasts silk underlays embroidered with a pattern inspired by the voyages of Zheng He, an explorer from the early Ming dynasty who led several voyages around the Indian ocean. The second style features mesh underlays and a standard lacing system. Both are available in black and white colorways.

To accompany the sneakers, Shang Xia is dropping the “Da Ri Yue” collection, which comprises bracelets, silk scarves, and t-shirts. The collection once again references traditional Chinese culture while giving it a modern spin.

LEARN MORE

Apple’s Next iPhones Will Release Later Than Expected

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:20:14 GMT

Apple will delay the mass-production of its forthcoming iPhone 12 handsets by around a month, according to a new Wall Street Journal report.

Historically, Apple unveils its annual iPhone refresh in September and begins shipping devices before the end of the month.

Earlier this year, Apple temporarily closed its stores in China due to the coronavirus outbreak, while companies responsible for supplying Apple with chips took significant financial hits. At the time, the tech giant warned that production was moving slower than expected on the iPhone 12. Now, “according to people familiar with the changes,” the WSJ reports that the impact of the coronavirus has indeed delayed the release of the new model.

While the coronavirus pandemic continues to undermine global consumer demand and disrupt manufacturing across Asia, Apple is still reportedly aiming to release four new iPhone models later this year.

Virgil Abloh is Designing a ‘Mercedes’

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 16:00:21 GMT

On this week’s episode of The Dropcast, hosts Noah Thomas and Jian DeLeon discuss everything from crepe-sole wrapped Hender Scheme sneakers to the influence of late Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto. We also touch on some of the biggest reveals of the week — namely the Union x Jordan 4 leak and the news that Mercedes-Benz and Virgil Abloh are working on a collaboration.

The German automaker has tapped the creative services of the Ghanaian-American multi-hyphenate to create a “limited-edition artwork” that will be revealed to the world on September 8. Fingers are crossed that it’s a fire take on the inimitable Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon. But no matter what the final product looks like, we’re certain of one thing — it’s gonna have an insane soundsystem.

Relevant Links:

adidas YEEZY Quantum "Ophanim” Expected to Drop This Fall

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:58:38 GMT

Highsnobiety aims to provide our readers with the latest updates in the sneaker world. However, we cannot verify the reliability of any unauthorized leaks or rumors unless this information is provided directly by the brands themselves.

Brand: adidas

Model: YEEZY Quantum “Ophanim”

Key Features: The adidas YEEZY Quantum “Ophanim” features a Marled Olive Primeknit upper combining gray and blue accents throughout to create a “whirlwind” effect. The heel is furnished in reflective black, while the midsole is done up in minimalist white.

Release Date: September 2020

Price: $250

Buy: adidas and select retailers

Editor’s Notes: adidas and Kanye West‘s Quantum “Ophanim” takes its name from the whirlwind-like wheels seen in the biblical story of Ezekiel’s vision of the chariot. A newly revealed mockup, courtesy of Yeezy Mafia, shows a whirlwind pattern reflected across the sneaker’s Primeknit upper.

Rumors suggest that the Quantum “Ophanim” will arrive at select retailers including adidas.com this September. Keep it here for updates as they arrive.

View this post on Instagram

YEEZY QNTM OPHANIM LAUNCH IN SEPTEMBER MORE DETAILS ON YEEZYMAFIA.COM

A post shared by YEEZY MAFIA (@yeezymafia) on Jul 30, 2020 at 10:51am PDT

To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, check our sneaker release date calendar, and subscribe to our sneaker chatbot on Facebook to receive lightning-quick updates to your inbox.

Lebron James’ Best On & Off Court Sneaker Moments

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:01:46 GMT

The NBA returned this week, albeit from the surreal bubble of Disneyland Florida. And while the resuming fight for the 2020 championship brings numerous talking points, it’s the sartorial side that we’re interested in today. For decades, the NBA has been a provider of WTF style moments, wild hairstyles, and, of course, standout footwear. Player exclusives, signature silhouettes, and the releases that we mortals can actually get our hands on — the NBA is a melting pot for sneaker spotting.

Lebron James is one player to have been graced with his own sneaker line, having been signed up by Nike in 2003, aged just 18. Almost two decades later, Lebron James is searching for his fourth championship ring and still showing off an impressive rotation. In honor of one of the NBA’s greatest all-time players, we’ve been searching through the archives to bring you some of King James’ best on-court and off-court sneaker moments. Oh, and as if that wasn’t enough, we’re also giving you the opportunity to cop each and every one of them on the GOAT site or via the app.

In March this year, before Covid-19 forced the NBA pause, Lebron sported the Lebron 17 Low “Bred” during a Lakers game against the Milwaukee Bucks. Released in the same month, the almost all-black signature sneaker is contrasted with a vivid University Red Swoosh and detailing, with Lebron branding at the tongue and heel.

Lebron James kicked off his career with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, a team he first played with for seven years, and eventually returned to for four years in 2014. This image was taken during his second season with the Cavaliers, and shows James wearing the second shoe of his Nike partnership — the Zoom LeBron 2 “Midnight Navy.” Featuring full-length Zoom Air cushioning, the Zoom Lebron 2 comes with a removable ankle strap for support, as well as Lebron’s signature lion logo.

Following his return to the Cavaliers, Lebron ended the Cleveland team’s championship drought during the 2015-16 season. In a game against the Los Angeles Lakers in February 2016, James wore the “Black History Month” LeBron 13, released earlier that year in homage to black athletes around the world. The “BHM” sneaker combines a mesh upper and a sock-like construction with references to Pan-African textiles.

Standout sneakers aren’t just seen on the court, though. When it comes to NBA style moments, a great deal happens during player arrivals. Lebron is seen here on the way to a Lakers game, a team he joined in 2018 and still plays for. On his feet are the Nike Dunk Low “Kentucky” sneakers, a retro edition of the 1985 classic released in March 2020 in celebration of the Dunk’s 35th anniversary.

Turning up to a Lakers game against the Sacramento Kings in 2018, Lebron went for a wild, print-clash look that was topped off by a luxe-looking red blazer. To match, James wore the “Chicago” Off-White™ x Nike Air Jordan 1, a sneaker that was part of Virgil Abloh’s “The Ten” project with Nike. Bearing Abloh’s signature deconstructed aesthetic, the sneaker features a Swoosh held on by blue stitching. However, as a highly-coveted piece, it doesn’t come cheap.

Here’s Lebron arriving for a Lakers game against the Washington Wizards at STAPLES Center in 2019, sporting an extra loud pink Nike track top. Not to be outdone down below, the number 23 opted for the atmos x Nike Air Max 1 “Elephant” sneaker, a remaster of the coveted 2006 collab between the Japanese retailer and the Swoosh. The shoe was re-released again for Air Max Day and makes use of the “Elephant” print, a part of Basketball sneaker history.

Lebron showed his love for Off-White™ once again en-route to a Lakers game against the New York Knicks in January this year. Keeping warm in a long coat, green track top, and bright orange beanie, James paired his apparel colors with the Off-White™ x Nike Dunk “Pine Green” sneaker from 2019, which comes with orange Flywire secondary lacing.

Our designated Selects section features products that we love and want to share with you. Highsnobiety has affiliate marketing partnerships, which means we may receive a commission from your purchase.

Oklou’s Impeccable Pop Experiments Are Truly Like No Other

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:00:00 GMT

Somewhere in the vast depths of the internet (after seapunk and vaporwave made their mark on the hyperreal, post-internet landscape), Oklou was brought into the world with a keyboard, found sounds from her world wide web womb, a microphone, and music production software. A couple of decades before, Marylou Mayniel was born in the countryside of western France. It was an ideal recipe for the kind of pop star that makes sense in 2020 and beyond — a young girl from a small town, who is classically trained in piano and cello and who sings in choirs and has dreams of being a backup dancer for the French pop star Lorie, discovers the depths of cyberspace and all the sounds it has to offer.

Mayniel, aka Oklou, self-released her first EP Avril in 2014, directly inspired by post-internet art and the maximalist electronic music subgenres that had similar life spans to fashion trends. It features “Chrysalis,” an early example of her knack for pop songwriting, with its autotune lilts, bouncy bass line, glossy, layered synths, and a guitar riff drifting over the main vocal melody. A couple parts of the track stutter slightly, as if a video you’re streaming is buffering. Listening to it now, it is reminiscent of the best parts of the internet in the 2010s — inventive, utopian, and exciting… with an under-layer of melancholy.

“From 2013, I entered an internet dimension that I didn’t expect existed,” Oklou recounts. “I dived in… and I made that first EP being overwhelmed by all this information and these new forms of art and communication and post-internet stuff, Tumblr… All these different movements in arts as well as music, remember seapunk or witch house? Back in the day, it was so nice to witness these things flourish and disappear two years after.”

Oklou channeled this overwhelm into making playlists almost constantly, alongside editing videos, creating collages, and composing music on the computer. After Avril came a four-track, limited edition tape at the end of 2015, with the notable “Defeat” on the B-side. The first time I heard it was in the middle of an Avalon Emerson DJ set. It was presented as a palette cleanser, in a sense, beatless but not diluted in any way. Its spine-tingling synths seemed to instantly increase the production of dopamine in my brain. Preceding melodies that cascade to infinity, there’s a drawn-out, guttural proclamation of: “I knew it, he always does this.” Later comes a woman screaming about not being “white trash” but a “really good person,” with layers of subtle vocals that sound like they are sung by a Disney princess. Finally, the muffled blares of airhorns and barking dogs; a beautiful post-internet symphony.

While Oklou’s music would sound very different if Marylou had not spent all those hours on MSN Messenger, Tumblr, and YouTube, and while it possesses a screen glare-like sheen, there’s an enduring sense of romance that lingers underneath. “I’ve always been super romantic,” she says. ”If I had a crush on a boy, I would send him anonymous letters and draw him. Oh, that was so nice. I loved those moments.” To this day, she favors romantic films for the most part, but has a special affinity for Disney’s Bambi. She has always admired the grace of deers, and that the tragic yet beautiful tale also shows their fragility.

With her technical musical skills evident at a young age, grace was never an issue for Marylou. Fragility, vulnerability, and emotionality bubbled up to the surface later on, carrying more weight than her technical skill. “I know I can do a lot of stuff, but the ingredients that are harder to find are the ones that make me able to go deep inside myself. It’s not about being good at the keyboard, or having 15 years of classic technique behind you,” she explains.

These ingredients became easier to find with new ways of feeling. Her first love and subsequent heartbreak, which she characterizes as “hard but interesting,” offered a wide scope, from passion and admiration to self-doubt and confusion. Taking inspiration from the heartfelt R&B of Richard Marx’s “Right Here Waiting” and the UB-40 songs she’d listen to growing up, Oklou’s lyrics often reference these sentiments of love, loss, and everything that fills the gaps in between. The chorus of “entertnmnt” comes to mind — a collaboration with Mura Masa, the result of one of many recent studio sessions with other artists: “And I, I don’t know what part of me you see / But whatever it is, it makes me feel /Like I could survive through anything /And you, are my answer when I have no clue / You are my dancer when I make no move / The only way I know I’m beautiful.”

The original is incredible, but her recent stripped-back home performance of the track for COLORS is on another level, painted with a touch of Twin Peaks-esque haunting beauty, bringing the edges of the lyrics into sharp relief. With English not being Oklou’s native language, her use of words has a certain sublime playfulness to it, such as the way she deploys “baffling” as a verb on “Friendless”: “I know that you’ve been baffling so hard.” A beguiling interplay between music and lyrics has always been evident in Oklou’s music, blending synths and strings and autotuned vocals with precision, but more significantly, with feeling.

“It’s such a pleasure for me to lay vocals down on synth or an instrumental, and I love to work on how both things are responding to each other,” she explains, going on to elaborate on how she’s improved. “Even though I’m far from the best lyricist, I’m now able to feel so much when I write that I instantly cry. I’m like, ‘Okay, so that must be what you’re supposed to feel when you write stuff.’”

As of late, tears seem to be a litmus test for whether or not Oklou’s on the right track with her music, but all that emotion pouring out can be a lot to bear alone, especially when creating a full-length. “The project I’ve been working on this year and last year has been so much more than just working on my computer. There was such an important emotional history and things that were going on in my life, I insisted (and I knew it was the right thing to do) to be surrounded by a friend of mine who connected to this story I was going through, and who listened to my stuff and really involved himself in the whole project. It happened very naturally,” she reveals. “We cried together listening to the demos and it was just the way it was supposed to happen.”

The project in question is Galore, a 10-track mixtape coming very soon. If it were a dish you could eat, Oklou says it would be “earthy and foresty, with mushrooms, potatoes, and green stuff, chestnuts, boar meat.” While we can’t stick a fork into it just yet, the way Oklou talks about it makes it clear it’s bound to be her best work yet. “For my own project and for the things I want to create, I hope that I will always be driven by these really strong emotions and inspirations and energies, just because it makes so much sense to me. There are so many things out there to listen to already. I want it to exist for amazing reasons.”

Look out for Oklou’s ‘Galore’ mixtape out September 24. Pre-order it here, and see the video for single “unearth me” below.

Woolrich x RETROSUPERFUTURE Will Level Up Your Shade Game

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 13:15:07 GMT

What to Do If You’re Targeted By Unmarked Police Officers

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 12:47:17 GMT

The New York Police Department (NYPD) is seemingly following in Portland‘s footsteps — protesters are being snatched off the street by badgeless officers and forcefully pushed into unmarked vans. ⁠This appears to be the latest instance of federal officers working in tandem with local police in a war against protesters; a constitutionally dubious tactic putting New Yorkers’ rights to protest in peril.

What’s happening in New York and Portland, as alarming as it is, is just the beginning. According to a report from The Chicago Tribune last week, approximately 150 federal agents are being deployed in Chicago to “combat shootings.” So, as the Republican Administration is making good on its promise to quell protests by force by deploying secret troops to major US cities, it’s extremely important that you know what’s going on, and, if you choose to protest, to know your rights.

Here’s everything you need to know about what’s going on in New York.

Videos surfaced earlier this week showing a woman, identified by the NYPD as 18-year-old Nicholas Stone, being violently detained by plainclothes officers and then being bundled into an unmarked gray van. Police officers on bicycles appeared to block off onlookers from intervening.

View this post on Instagram

The NYPD has taken after what's happening in Portland; protesters are being snatched and forcefully pushed into unmarked vans. ⁠ ⁠ The NYPD has responded to these videos, claiming "In regard to a video on social media that took place at 2 Ave & 25 St, a woman taken into custody in an unmarked van was wanted for damaging police cameras during 5 separate criminal incidents in & around City Hall Park. The arresting officers were assaulted with rocks & bottles." ???????? #hsnews ⁠ ⁠ ????: @naptimehacker⁠

A post shared by HIGHSNOBIETY (@highsnobiety) on Jul 29, 2020 at 6:58am PDT

The NYPD responded to the videos: “In regard to a video on social media that took place at 2 Ave & 25 St, a woman taken into custody in an unmarked van was wanted for damaging police cameras during 5 separate criminal incidents in & around City Hall Park. The arresting officers were assaulted with rocks & bottles.”

The US government has indeed used force against its own citizens, and federal agents have been deployed to assist in domestic operations, sometimes against the wishes of local leaders. Recent events in Portland indicate that this might be the case in New York, too.

By giving federal agents free rein to intervene in local law and order, the administration is effectively constructing a national police force, and wielding it as a political tool. Not only is using secret police an outrageous violation of American citizens’ freedom, but this authoritarian crackdown also lays the groundwork for the president to challenge the results of the November election. When asked in a recent Fox News interview whether he would accept the results if he loses to Biden, Trump said: “I have to see.”

As in Portland, local officials were blindsided by what looks like government interference in local law enforcement. Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who represents the Bronx borough of New York City, tweeted: “Our civil liberties are on brink. This is not a drill. There is no excuse for snatching women off the street and throwing them into unmarked vans.”

Our civil liberties are on brink.

This is not a drill. There is no excuse for snatching women off the street and throwing them into unmarked vans.

To not protect our rights is to give them away. It is our responsibility to resist authoritarianism. https://t.co/pw20WF05KK

— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) July 29, 2020

New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio commented that the video was “troubling,” and said: “It is the responsibility of the police, if someone commits a response offense, they need to follow-up. Given the atmosphere in the country and the real concerns people have, it should not be in the middle of an ongoing protest.” The mayor will reportedly talk to the NYPD commissioner about the arrest in question.

Public Advocate Jumaane Williams also expressed that he was “concerned” about one of the videos, showing the woman being dragged into an unmarked van. “Reaching to try and get some answers,” he wrote on Twitter.

It’s impossible to react accordingly to violent and random arrests such as these, which resemble kidnappings more than anything. However, officers will have to identify themselves at some point during the arrest.

Any arrested person in the US must be informed of their “Miranda rights” by police before interrogation. The statement, normally recited by arresting officers, inform them of their rights to refuse to answer police questions and the right to consult with a lawyer.

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) has compiled a step-by-step guide on what to say to police once arrested without perjuring yourself. Find it below:

“1. You have the right to remain silent and the right to talk to a lawyer before you talk to the police. Don’t tell the police anything except your name and address. Don’t give any explanations, excuses, or stories. You can make your defense later, in court, based on what you and your lawyer decide is best.

2. If you have a lawyer, ask to see your lawyer immediately. If you can’t afford a lawyer, you have the right to a free one once your case goes to court. You can ask the police how to contact a lawyer. Don’t say anything to police without speaking to a lawyer first.

3. Within a reasonable time after your arrest or booking, you should ask the police to contact a family member or friend. If you are permitted to make a phone call, anything you say at the precinct may be recorded or listened to. Never talk about the facts of your case over the telephone.

4. Do not make any decisions in your case or sign any statements until you have talked with a lawyer.”

Brandy Is Back & She’s Brought a Banging New Album With Her

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 12:24:54 GMT

Brandy — the R&B songstress and 90’s icon (and the one true Cinderella) — is back with her first album in eight years, B7. Brandy Norwood dropped off her 15-track offering last night and Twitter is already touting it as her most personal album yet, lauding her impressive range and artistic metamorphosis.

“I’ve completely evolved as a human being, as a woman,” Brandy told USA TODAY.” Growing up in this business and just going through life in general I feel like I’m a very solid person. I know a lot but then I don’t know a lot.”

Brandy signed her first record deal in 1993 when she was still a teenager and her debut album Brandy was certified quadruple platinum the following year. She continued to release music while starring in Moesha from 1996 to 2001 (which will be arriving back on Netflix on August 1, by the way).

B7 features Daniel Caesar, Sy’Rai, and Chance the Rapper. Stream the album below and scroll down for the best reactions.

You know Brandy meant business when she brought her old logo back. #B7 pic.twitter.com/Khrstf6cve

— Raquel Willis (@RaquelWillis_) July 31, 2020

Thinking about how Brandy didn’t even have to “chase the sound” of today’s r&b for B7 because she’s the originator of it

— BRI (@BriMalandro) July 31, 2020

brandy’s lower register is nothing to play with. pic.twitter.com/d9iELvnAqe

— #1 no tomorrow stan (@ChunxSwae) July 31, 2020

Brandy's voice is mesmerizing, magical, hypnotic, enchanting. Like she really don't be trying to sound like anyone but herself. The authenticity of it all! #B7 pic.twitter.com/frlCrDYpkS

— MelanatedMermaid????????‍♀️ (@purple_byobow) July 31, 2020

brandy. that’s it, that’s the tweet. cause baby this album? i’m only on track 6 currently but my soul has literally left my entire body. i feel like i’m floating on a cloud listening to her voice. the lyrics & transitions >>>>>> and chile these damn vocal layerings????? MUTHAAAA pic.twitter.com/XjdIKC8jQ4

— lewis ???? (@leezuhs) July 31, 2020

brandy in her full moon bag and we STAN pic.twitter.com/qDeCAzljzA

— #1 no tomorrow stan (@ChunxSwae) July 31, 2020

All these years later and the girls STILL aren't doing it like Brandy pic.twitter.com/NRlzVTdAbo

— ???? ???????????? ???????????? ✨ (@aVeryRichBish) July 31, 2020

The fact that both Beyoncé and Brandy debuted in the ‘90s and are still at the top of their game 20+ years later has me shook.

What a night. I’m full. pic.twitter.com/LcTV8OA1hX

— Tre Wesley (@TrevonWes) July 31, 2020

Chloe & Halle. Brandy. Ryan Destiny. Beyoncé. Simultaneously. pic.twitter.com/yTBAZiYPvf

— Mannie Fest (@random_weighs) July 31, 2020

.@disneyplus Brandy just released a new album. Moesha is coming to Netflix. THERE WILL NEVER BE A BETTER TIME: pic.twitter.com/N6HlV4uDEp

— Jamie Jirak (@JamieCinematics) July 31, 2020

Brandy . . The only Cinderella we acknowledge in my house! pic.twitter.com/uX7GMPLP07

— Captivate Me (@TellMeWahUWant) July 30, 2020

Here’s Your First Look at Palace’s AW20 Collection

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 12:03:41 GMT