Part hip-hop group, part record company, part apparel label, Japanese Nitro Microphone Underground is an amalgamate of talents who are all deeply rooted in the urban culture of Japan. And so it was only natural for Nike to collaborate with one of Nitro’s member, Gore-Texer, for Air Force 1’s special 1WORLD Influencer Collection.

Composed out of entirely 3M reflective fabric, the Nike x Nitro Air Force 1 also has the distinction of an all over Digital Camouflage pattern. When the angle of refraction is just right, the sneaker gives a gleam unlike other on the market today. To match this special collaboration, Nitro’s apparel label, Nitraid, created a collection of accessories and clothing, all in match digital camouflage print. Including a New Era 59Fifty collaboration cap.

The Nike x Nitro Microphone Underground Air Force 1, New Era 59Fifty cap and matching digi-camo t-shirt are all currently available at Premium Laces

Premium Laces
68 Spring Street | Map
New York, NY 10012

> Premium Laces

> Nike - Air Force 1: 1WORLD
> Nitro Microphone Underground

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Bridge Footwear has just restocked its collection of deadstock older releases, some of which are pictured above; over 150 pairs of kicks in 45 styles have been updated on the website.  Including a number of great Air Force 1’s, the DJ Clark Kent Pack (as well as the QK re-release of the Air Max 95 Neon, the inspiration for said pack), and a few Air Jordan V’s, this is definitely a big re-release.  Note that this drop barely scratches the surface of their collection, as they have pairs of various other high-profile kicks in stock, such as the SBTG Royalefam Friends and Family Dunks, What the Dunk SB’s, and the Michael Lau BMX Beijing Olympics SB Blazer Highs.  If any of these interest you, you’d do well to go take a look at the Bridge Footwear site; cop these quick, they won’t last long

> Shop: Bridge Footwear

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Set to release in Japan this Friday, July 18th are the newest variants to the Reebok Pump technology series.  The EXT-LUX collection features the Insta Pump Fury and Pump Omnilite both considered as instant classics for their innovations when first release in the early 90s.  And as the name preclude, EXT-LUX pack embellished both models with premium leather upper with the addition snake-skin pattern parts in/around the toe box and side wall.  To further the “LUX” theme, gold color accents are added.  The most striking example is the mid-foot support on the Insta Pump Fury.  What used to be a graphite + fiberglass composite is now covered in metallic gold coating.  Gave the impression of sneakers made of gold.

Available this Friday, July 18th, at selected top-tier boutiques, such as atmos Tokyo

atmos Tokyo
4-32-8 Jingumae | Map
Shibuya-ku, Tokyo Japan
TEL #: +81-3-5772-1655

Release Date: July 18th (Friday)

> atmos Tokyo

> Reebok

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Interview with Ric Chiang (蔣先威) & Jay Chou (周杰倫) of PHANTACi

Interview by: AJH
Translated by: Poe
Produced by: Dan Hwang

Situated in the trend setting neighborhood of Taipei City’s Eastern District (東區), where shoppers would find landmarks such as Taipei 101 skyscraper and stores like Undercover Taipei, is PHANTACi. More than just a simple urban fashion retailer, PHANTACi has the unique distinguishment as the only store with Nike’s “Tier 0″ account on this island nation.

A partnership between famed musician/actor Jay Chou (周杰倫) and his long time friend Ric Chiang (蔣先威). PHANTACi is the materialization of the 2 owners’ life-long interest with urban culture, from its cloistered stance from mainstream culture to its limitless potentials for individual expression. These 2 ideals played important roles in the store’s unique name, an amalgamation of the words “phantom” and “fantasy”.

Since its founding in 2006, PHANTACi has not only become the event space of many Nike product premiere events. It is now hub where Taiwan-based and international artists showcased their collaborations, such as the “I Can’t Brake” exhibition to promote fixed gear culture. To understand PHANTACi’s plans for both near and long term, plus its insights on the Taiwan marketplace, Freshness sat with both founders for a brief chat.

PHANTACi
1F., No.63, Lane 223, Sec. 4, Jhongsiao E. Rd., | Map
Da-an District, Taipei City 106, Taiwan
TEL: +886 2 8773 1426

> PHANTACi

Could you share with us how PHANTACi, the store and its name came about?

Ric: In its earliest form, PHANTACi was just a small store Jay and I started. We wanted to it to focus on things that we like, trends we thought that were interesting. Including, of course, lots of sneakers. However recently, we begin to test PHANTACi as a brand on the global arena, especially after our collaborations with Nike and others. As for the name PHANTACi, it was Jay’s idea. By combining the ideals he like about urban culture, along with his multi-facet roots in the music and movie world. He thought we should combined the words “fantasy” and “phantom” together. It is a bit mysterious and a bit playful take on the definitions of the 2 words.

*Note:* “Fantasy” was the title of Jay Chou’s second album.

Feature and Interview continue after the jump…

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Here is the preview of Getlo Mid “Swamped”, part of JB Classics upcoming release for its Wonder Years Series. 85-86’, 92-93’, 83’… these were the most influential years to the people behind JB Classics Lab. They are also the years on which the foundation for which the JB Classics Wonder Years Series was built upon.

Nicknamed “Swamped” for its moss colorway, it features each of the “wonder years” screen-printed in tone-on-tone color on the upper. Also features perforated leather on fore foot and perforated suede on its side panels. The midsole is constructed out of all natural gum rubber with red casing. Plus details such as accent stitching on ankle collar made of denim and D-loop lacing system. The JB Classics Prime Label - Wonder Years Series - Getlo Mid “Swamped” will be available during Fall of this year.

> JB Classics Lab

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Mark down this Thursday, July 17th, on your calendar as Upper Playground release first of four collaboration with adidas Originals. This debut launch will feature the works of Herbert Baglione, a Sao Paulo-based artist who has won recognition in his homeland of Brazil as well as Latin America and Europe. Known for his paradoxical subjects of individuality, death, and the paths we choose in lives, Baglione cleverly express these in bold black patterns on white background. “My sneaker design expresses my personal taste in shoes. I don’t like colorful tennis shoes that are full of designs or anything that I feel is more than necessary. I believe being simple ends up being more challenging,” stated Baglione

The Upper Playground x adidas Originals - Herbert Baglione sneaker will be available in limited number at Upper Playground online stores and retail locations starting this Thursday, July 17th, at 9 am PT. In the meantime, Herbert Baglione will be part of “Icons for Now” group exhibition starting in August at Denmark.

Release Date: July 17th (Thursday) | 9 am PST

> Upper Playground
> adidas Originals
> Herbert Baglione

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Just updated on Nike 1WORLD project is the latest addition to the collaboration project - Air Force 1 designed by KAWS. First previewed on KAWS’ personal blog on July 1st. The KAWS Air Force 1 will feature the artist’s signature design traits: the crosses (or Xs) over no -sew seams, bright neon accents on all black premium leather, and a translucent sole. As KAWS explained, the colorways on this particular sneaker are in coordination with his all black Companion figures. One of 18 collaborations from the Nike 1WORLD series, to be release over the course of next 8 months.

> Nike: AF1 - 1 WORLD

> KAWS

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