Designer Exclusions (Certain categories of merchandise are excluded): Akris, Ala�a, Balenciaga, Birkenstock, Brunello Cucinelli, Céline, Chanel, Chloé, Christian Dior, Christian Louboutin, Comme des Garcons, Dior Homme, Dries Van Noten, Ermenegildo Zegna, Fendi, Filson, Givenchy, Gucci, Kate Spade New York handbags, Lanvin, Loro Piana, Maison Margiela, Miu Miu, Off-White, Prada, Private Label, Sacai, Ugg, Valentino, Versace.
LeBron James put his money where his mouth is for the latest incarnation of his namesake sneaker. Every year he gets the opportunity to start a massive conversation when he releases his latest shoe, and this year he released the very first LeBron 16 with a design by Harlem Fashion Row: a collective of female designers of color lead by Brandice Daniels. Undra Celeste, Kimberly Goldson and Fe Noel. They blended their styles and processes to create a sneaker that works no matter who is wearing it, but delivers a message that breaks barriers not only in opportunities for designers but also in expectations from consumers.
It wouldn't be overly self-important to say that sneaker culture started in the U.S. and has lead the industry since the community really got rolling in the '80s. But now, that community is now global, and it's about time the brands really played to each of those markets. This spring, Jordan Brand created a pair of Jordan 3s for Seoul Korea to celebrate the Olympics. On a quick look, they look like a strange version of the True Blues or maybe White Cements. But upon closer inspection, you'll notice they're a play on the Korean flag, with the actual flag elements appearing as embroidery on the tongue. They're a very subtle flex, considering not many pairs of them exist in the world.
Pharrell caught some flack for this "Blank Canvas" collection with Adidas, offering white knit versions of everything from the Stan Smith to his signature Running Hu. The problem: They were released as a canvas around the Hindu holiday of Holi, where bright powders are launched into the air to fill the world with color. Whether it was an act of appropriation or reverence is a debate for another time. Either way, the sneakers were a very fresh option and set the scene for popular customization like we'd see later on the Off-White Air Prestos.
Some manufacturers utilize sandals that are made from a combination of materials. This tends to be a man-made material for the soles along with fabric for the straps. The fabric straps can be quite comfortable as they will breathe a little better than leather will when it is hot outside. The other great benefit you will receive when you have sandals made from man-made materials is the ability to simply chuck them into the wash whenever they start to stink. After all, it is hot outside and you will be sweating in your cute sandals. Having something that you can easily wash will give you the comfort of being able to wear your cute sandals a little more often throughout the summer. You may find that with this ease of maintenance that you wear them more often.
