During a time when 808’s & Heartbreak were played every day on my iPod, I was mesmerized by the new look that Kanye brought to the game. The first time I saw rappers attend fashion shows was when G.O.O.D music invaded Paris. Ye and crew walked with luxury suitcases to match their high-end style that put the fashion world on notice. Living legends like Don C, Jerry Lorenzo, and Farnsworth Bentley were part of the All-Star entourage. As the self-proclaimed Louis Vuitton Don stands in the middle, he is backed by a man who would take Louis Vuitton to all new heights. Heights is an understatement with a humongous rainbow-colored statue spotlighted at Louis Vuitton Men's Spring 2022 lineup in Miami Art Basel Week. After the 20-minute fashion show concluded, the 3-story statue doesn’t compare to how high his paper plane of ideas has flown from the grey skies into countless red hearts. As his funeral concluded, I still feel a continuation vibe immediately after.
Put it in quotes:
Around 8 a.m., I got up to visit a nearby Ikea to grab a few office furniture items. While the aroma of Swedish Meatballs and gravy fills the air, I get a buzz in my sweatpants pocket. My homie freaked out on the phone in search of a welcome mat that had giant quotes on them. He’s been zoning all morning to find the Ikea store that had the sarcastic Off-White mat that simply said “KEEP OFF” which to me is utter genius. Ironic to tell people to keep off the mat that is typically meant to collect all dirt before entering a home. Such irony is felt around the world, which made the brand a cultural logo. I was living under a rock walking into an Ikea with swivel chairs in mind, and not a limited edition collaboration. That’s exactly what it was because a lot of my classmates in college were fond of the movement once I started to pay more attention. The bold approach to art is unmistakably sound on the canvas of culture. I say culture simply by the countless items Virgil's vision inspired me to design and create. Far as creation, there were no fashion rules that got in the way of what needed to be expressed artistically. One time VA said, “I’m not really into style. I’m more into confidence or having something to say.” which is a testament to how thoughtful he was with each release.
Jumped over with Jumpman:
Everybody knows how important MJ is to the hood, let alone to the city of Chicago. Born and raised in Illinois, Virgil’s love for the high-flying basketball player was quite prevalent. Like most fans of Jordans, I’ve often wondered how can some of my favorite sneakers look if they were made today? Virgil’s take on the retro 1 personally took me for a loop. Taking thick Black marker to express the obvious was a sarcastic take I found instantly clever. Putting “AIR” on the outsole where the Air unit is normally placed in a cool reminder. Even the “SHOELACES” printed on the…well…shoelaces is a small detail that sets it apart from a regular pair. Swoosh is purposefully put out of place which causes immediate shock value. Speaking of value, having a Red zip-tie increases the stock due to its exclusivity. Since that pair dropped, it seems like robots have been beating me on every sneakers app. Taking an original and making it into a new class for the next generation is a rare feat most have never been able to do. Living up to an original only opened more doors to unleash further conversations in the form of art through style. Unmatched energy revitalized the iconic brand to appeal to an authentic wave that is concerned with saying something than trying to be something.
The passing of Virgil Abloh was sudden. To be honest, the continuation I spoke of earlier is a feeling of celebration that won’t fade. Throughout his triumphant fight with cancer, he continued to give the world all that he possibly could while here on planet Earth. Now that I think about it, the Off White x Nike “The 50” release is a retrospective way to show the world his many colorways (which normally never see the light of day). While facing adversity on a personal level, he continued to push the envelope further and further. Pushing forward than being pushy is a technique that Virgil mastered at the highest level imaginable. Sculptures, mats, bags, vehicles, luggage, clothing, umbrellas, drawings, sneakers, or any other creation is a distinct representation of who he was and how he saw the world. For the glimpse he was able to showcase to the world, his point of view is forever dope.
]]>PUMA announced their partnership with BMW Motorsport back in 2012, but the collaboration is still going full speed. The global Sportlifestyle brand has become the Official Supplier of team and racewear for all BMW Motorsport racing operations. To better their global sales and distribution, PUMA is licensing BMW inspired merchandise. PUMA, as the driver apparel brand, has a major role in ensuring that global fans will enjoy this collection. No biggie!
Christian Voigt, Senior Head of Global Sports Marketing at PUMA said: “PUMA is delighted to once again be working with BMW Motorsport, following the successes we enjoyed with them through their tenure in Formula One. Their heritage in competitive motorsport and automotive engineering is so impressive, and their global profile derived from this makes them another strong partner for PUMA in motorsport. Through our experience in licensed product development and distribution we are fully confident this will be a successful partnership for both parties, and we hope to grow it in the years to come.”
As leading sport lifestyle brand, PUMA boasts a unique wealth of expertise and proficiency in developing and distributing licensed products on a global scale. Bearing in mind the great success they have together in the past, we are looking forward to more from this partnership.
The BMW Motorsport collection features branded life t-shirts, full-zip hoodies, sweatpants and tracksuits. Faster than ever, the PUMA motorsport styles offer authentic branding from all of your top teams… Mercedes AMG, Scuderia Ferrari, Red Bull Racing, and BMW Motorsport. Bonus: PUMA’s Motorsport looks are grandstand AND everyday style-approved (win, win).
The COVID-19 Pandemic in 2020 has literally shut down our lives, and in some cases enabled everyday people from coming together in large numbers. Despite certain physical restrictions and concerns, we have relied on the World Wide Web to stay connected. Similar to music or tasty cuisine, sports & fashion is are universal gems that people across the globe treasure now more than ever. Sports is an activity that neutralizes social intersections with the mutual passion of single/team play. Fashion is a form of self-expression that correlates to your style & mood through particular fabrics and/or text. As we all are a part of the physical form, PUMA is making sure we all are together in a message.
PUMA set aside social differences and focused on peace and love to design the globally anticipated ‘Unity Collection’. This collection allows you to take a blast from the past wearing classic silhouettes while staying present with each vibrant color symbolizing an international stand of unification. The pack celebrates the enriched sports heritage that has been created under the PUMA umbrella. Classics like ‘Ralph Sampson’ and the ‘Future Rider’ are just a few of the silhouettes that have been selected for updated styling.
Clothing has a simplistic elegance to it, choosing to design all of the apparel in solid colors black and white. Strategic in detailing, items have eye-catching pops of color that jump out at your pupils. The colors were hand-picked to represent international flagship around the globe. TFS tracksuits, backpacks, and caps all have vibrant colors to give each garment contrast throughout the designs. Accents and accessories include shimmering gold medal hardware and PUMA printed drawcords for added flare. In continuance of unity, the collection is unisex for everyone to be a part of the movement.
In conjunction with the movement, PUMA commits to donating LEAVE OUT DOLLAR AMOUNT to the U.N. COVID-19 Solidarity Response Fund. While the pandemic is still underway, the fund will support World Health Organizations' global efforts to handle all stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small action to support can make a big difference in lives today. This is definitely “A New Collection For a Better Future”.
We recently got to sit down with Philadelphia based Artist: Isaac Lin. He's recently released a few tee designs with Nike available: here.
I really gravitated towards art during high school. I guess it’s during the time when I was going through identity stuff, realizing what being Asian American meant. I felt like I really wanted to do something more with my life that was fulfilling. Seeing my parents work a 9-5 every day made me realize I wanted to do Art. I really had to fight to go to Art school actually.
They actually hit me up on Instagram. I had a show 2 years ago, in February 2018, that I had made a bunch of screen-printed tees of my designs. My buddy Steve from Nike saw it online and contacted me to do some work.
Just working on paintings and house projects. Since I’ve been working from home, my wife and I have been working on our house. That helped us stay focus, it’s a space that we are collaborating on and are making it our own. Our cats have definitely been our therapy, having pets keep me sane. Painting has been very calming and keeps me off the phone the news
I have a solo show coming up next year February 2021 at Fleisher/Ollman. I’m not sure how the pandemic will be then. But hopefully, a lot of people can come out.
The things that helped me the most while coming up is surrounding yourself in a good creative community. It taught me a lot about work ethic and how to balance your regular job with your studio time. That kind of support group to help bounce ideas off was very helpful. Invest in your community and relationships.
]]>While walking down the streets of New York City, Andre is reminiscent of his home in Paris, France. Dripped in a cozy fleece hoodie, fleece jogger pants, a long wool peacoat and some blazing Orange Timberland Boots.
Andre considers himself a one-man force of nature. Not only is his style versatile for the colder months ahead, but you can find him mixing beats from classical Mozart to Travis Scott. His stylish taste is minimal, simple but with a touch of bold accents. In his spacetime, he creates artwork for local NYC cafes and coffee shops. He draws inspiration from his favorite artists like Basquiat, Monet and Degas. Like his inspirations, he likes the idea of making a masterpiece from a blank canvas. Andre remains a torrential force of innovation in a rather distracting world. Despite this, he considers himself laid-back. His approach to personal style can speak on that.
As his exits the Cafe Leon Dore on Mulberry Street, he capes his peacoat in a whimsical manner, grabs his rib-cuff beanie and heads towards his Soho loft apartment. The waterproof seam-sealed construction from his Orange Blaze Timberland Boots perfectly keep his feet dry and warm from the cold, light snowfall. Like his current mood, these boots can weather any storm. Andre reaches his apartment, undoes his tan peacoat and starts to draw. Keeping his orange boots on for extra power and confidence.
This story does not reflect any real persons.
This season, The North Face Coat Capsule encompasses a series of timeless jackets. Comprising of the Mountain Jacket GTX II, Retro Denali and the Retro Nuptse. This series wearables reinvent the iconic silhouettes with modern day technology, without sacrificing the familiar design cues that fans have come to know and love. Primary color hues accompany neutral black makeups, granting the winter-ready layering pieces extra versatility.
Updated functionality comes by way of modern GORE-TEX water and windproof textiles that sandwich the insulating thermal tech hidden inside the Mountain Jackets, while the Retro Denali sports weather-fighting fleece that features extra breathability by way of pit-zip venting for transitional comfort.
The Levi's brand is layering up our wardrobes this fall and we can't wait! A true staple in the fashion game, Levi's is essential to our fall/winter wardrobes. We warmly welcome the idea of layering up with oversizes shirts, fleeces, hoodies, flannels, etc. As we keep our older Levi's keepsakes in heavy rotation, it's also time to stock new and essential pieces perfect for the season transitioning and beyond.
OG denim brand Levi's is the best for fleece, flannel and denim. These selected items are perfect layering pieces, with vintage-classic vibes for that staple look. For that everyday Lumberjack look, go for the Bello or Tusky Flannel Long-Sleeve Shirt. Levi's is more than a look, it's stylish and comfortable for the seasons ahead. The Knit Fleece Sweaters are perfect for layering up without the bulk. One of the stand-outs here include two Sherpa Trucker Jean Jackets, which features refined details and keeping your neck warm for when you want to skip scarf day. Alongside these essentials are classic Levi's 501 Original Jeans; perfectly paired with any of your favorite tops. Check below for our Levi's Fall/Winter 2019 Lookbook:
Our newest exclusive collaboration with The North Face brand features three Millerton Jackets for Fall/Winter 2019.
The Millerton Jacket from TNF brand is the perfect blend of warmth and style. This novelty-infused, two-layered jacket has a modern fit, multiple exterior and interior print options and a soft taffeta liming for comfort. Perfect for layering up with your favorite warm attire during the cool season.
All three jackets delivers strikingly styled patterns from TNF archives. The outdoor specialists at The North Face included a range of collective patterns for the Millerton Jacket thats inspired by archive models, but reinterpreted for the contemporary, urban-dwelling consumer. Made for the woodsy-types and the stylish trendsetters, this collection is a perfect mix for any occasion.
"Don't limit your challenges. Challenge your limits." Take a closer look at the complete collection below.
Ethika always offers a great selection of both lifestyle and performance. The range of silhouettes include intimate underwear styles, performance styles and casual bra.
Athleisure-wear is what you dream of spending everyday in lounging around your house. Ethika brings that right to your home. It's not only holding the mantel as a stronghold on trend-worthy athletic wear, but it has you feeling fierce and comfortable. From amazing leggings, sports bras and boy shorts, Ethika is a brand for women that continues raising the bar in workout and lifestyle fashion.
Ethika has always been a leading athletic/underwear brand for men. Luckily, it's been killing it as a kick-ass workout brand and all-around cozy fit. The confidence that Ethika gives to women and female body shapes is one that needs to be celebrated. Though it's sometimes typically hidden beneath the layer, Ethika sees their brand as so much more than an undergarment.
When women's athletic-wear fits right, it can make you feel so confident. It offers all the support and strength of traditional high-support workout gear, but with a sense of style and edge. Even if you aren't a committed gym-goer or fitness guru, you can still feel a sense of empowerment in Ethika's underwear. Ethika wants women to celebrate their bodies and to view it as a symbol of the power they possess. This summer, wear your sports bras and boys shorts with confidence. It's exciting to see women's athletic apparel opening doors for innovation across apparel and footwear. Ethika is breaking barriers for women who want to look and feel confident all day long.
]]>The North Face '94 Rage Collection recaptures the outrageous colors, mind-bending designs and radical performance that defined the glory days of snowboarding.
This dope collection is a nod to 90's-inspired snowboarding clothes. Designed in bold color-blocking, baggy fits, and loud graphics, '94 RAGE is an urban streetwear collection with a retro style.
The collection has eye-catching graphics throughout and consists of the Classic Fleece Pullover, Synthetic jacket, ski pants, fleece caps, bum bags, and more. DTLR VILLA has all that you may need for your next ski retreat online now. The full collection is available in select DTLR VILLA locations.
The best of both worlds decided to once again join forces! Fashion conglomerate FILA and beverage tycoon Pepsi have come together to release a summer collection exclusively sold at DTLR VILLA. With such a successful release previously, our team worked diligently to bring a new flavor to the international brands.
Season two has an assortment of apparel that ranges from recreational short sets to co-branded tees to represent each entity respectively. The FILA Disruptor and FILA Creator has been gaining a great deal of traction along with the comfortable beach view inspired slides. Meshing both brands worked perfectly due to both logos using red, white, and blue. The modern interpretation of the brands is what makes this collaboration exciting and sought after by the masses.
With FILA's solidified heritage along with Pepsi’s youthful audience, this collection will be another one for the record books. Be sure to get your piece of history online at www.dtlr.com or at DTLR VILLA locations.
The DTLR team launched the first installment of the #HerLifestyle campaign in Philadelphia, PA last weekend. For this campaign, we partnered with PUMA to elevate hardworking women in the lifestyle and entertainment culture.
We held the intimate gathering at West Philadelphia's sophisticated-southern style restaurant, Tasties. The women's only brunch echoed the style and grace of the Tasties' luxurious decor. Bold and feminine hints throughout the venue, from the blush obsidian and gold lounge chairs to the contrast of orange backdrop and marble table tops. A selection of great mixes and beats were played by DJ Tiara LaNiece really kept the vibe cool and engaging. Guests were greeted at the entrance with two courtesy drink tickets, a photo-op backdrop and #HerLifestyle themed gift bags and t-shirts.
Tasties made sure our guests were completely comfortable. Not only with the warm ambiance, but with the selections of entrees and beverages. As guests mingled before the panel began, customized girl boss drinks were served with names fitting for the affair: Goal Digger, Rise & Grind, Boss Chick and Dream Chaser. The night brunch presented chicken & waffles with mac n' cheese or fish, shrimp and grits as the main courses. The beautiful, personalized cake was done by Netflix Sugar Rush winner, Briana "The Fancy Crumb". Mouthwatering is all I can say!
Our panel, moderated by our Brand Marketing Manager Brittany Nichole, engaged and uplifted the room. Each member gave a powerful manifesto, of sorts, that was both inspirational and necessary. Devon Milan, the go-getter and creative director, gave a candid insight on her journey as a celebrity fashion stylist. Her experience with Kanye West and Rihanna was built from the strength of perseverance and gave her the ability to establish her own name, despite the legacy from a local Philly dynasty. Barbara, owner of Tasties and the ultimate natural-born hustler, is no quitter. As she may have endured some of the most difficult struggles in life, her ability to grind hard by any means necessary gave me more energy than any gym membership. Growing up in a family of cooks and culinary artists, she saw a larger vision for herself as a chef and business woman. In addition to being open 7-days a week, she also feeds the less fortunate in her community.
Talented musician and dancer Frenchie is also a product of art. The musical gene runs through her veins, but her life and career blue print is something she discovered on her own. Like Barbara, Frenchie struggled with loss and grief in her life. What I learned from Frenchie is that "we all take L's in life. Not loses, but lessons." Her faith gave her the strength to keep pursuing her dream, no matter how long it would take. Dyymond, the youngest but equally wise artist of the bunch, is a sculptor of art as well as her own personal path. She is a driven prodigy with a unique perspective on life and success. Her future is a bright as her spirit.
Talks of trial and tribulations, lessons and blessings, faith, mental and emotional wellness sparked the panel. Brittany did a phenomenal job really getting insight on each woman's lifestyle of success and failure. We can't wait to see what's in stores for the next installments: Baltimore, Miami, Atlanta and Chicago.
Many thanks to Tasties for hosting the event and providing the food and beverages, Tiara LaNiece for spinning and keeping the music flowing, PUMA for sponsoring and collaborating, and all staff and attendees who made the night so special.
]]>We're here to make styling easy during the hot months. This editorial by DTLR and FILA features an eclectic color way of athletic apparel and fun kicks to match. From leggings to tops, dresses to slides, the line is filled with a Summer Spectrum of neons designed to turn heads.
Aimed to reflect the vibrant vibe of FILA, this collection is sure to revive life back into your summer. Whether out for a run or sitting poolside, FILA is prescribing the energy.
This year’s theme, “Genesis”, took the audience on a journey through the past, present and future of fashion, featuring the latest from top leading brands such as; Nike, Jordan, PUMA, adidas, Levi’s, Champion, Reebok, FILA, Black Pyramid, New Balance, Tommy Hilfiger, Staple, Hustle Gang, AKOO, Ethika, Odd Sox, and many more.
We happened to be lucky enough to attend such an event and took much pleasure as we reveled in the hype. There were about 100 people lined up outside waiting to get their hands on the TDE x Nike Capsule Collection. The collection consisted of hoodies, tees, jerseys and limited pairs of the Kung Fu Kenny Cortez. The DJ was playing a lot of songs off the artist's latest album along with other artists on his tour.
Kendrick Lamar rolled through the pop-up around 4 o'clock unexpectedly and showed a group of fans love by shaking hands, giving away concert tickets, autographing merch and taking photos with a family whose kids are die hard Kendrick fans. Those fans were also gifted tickets to the show at Madison Square Garden the following night. The atmosphere was live and everyone working the event had joy in their hearts after seeing so many young fans gather to show support to Kendrick.Photographer @gangsta_toast | Senior Editor @youdontknow_jakHaving a great collection, of anything, means obtaining a great passion for something and having extreme care in quality, history and over-all appeal. For our first edition of VILLA Collectors, we caught up with a professional in this department. With an extensive knowledge of sneaker culture and a wardrobe to match, it's no surprise that Bobby would also be a serious collector of sports jerseys. Read the interview below and get to know Bobby and all of his 139 best buddies.
It's been 20 years since Biggie Smalls wore the sweater, so celebrate the anniversary in the Puma Clyde Coogi, releasing May 18th and May 20th. Click the Shop VILLA tab now!
]]>If you weren't already putting two and two together when the terms Paris and fashion come together, let's just say it: Marie Antoinette. Similar to Rih Rih's bad girl persona, the former queen of France lived a very rebellious, yet extravagant lifestyle prior to the Revolution. It's no surprise that she became Rihanna's bad gal muse.
The Palace of Versailles, Marie Antoinette's former home, became a major source of inspiration for this collection. With the clothes being a perfect mix of royalty, streetwear and sportswear, some might even say Marie Antoinette might have worn these clothes in a parallel universe (if there was a state-of-the-art gym on the palace's campus). The pale pink lace gym shorts, pale pink sheer anoraks covered in ruffles and worn with matching pink killer heels, finished with lots of ribbons and peplums, this collection truly took a ride on the enchanted side.
For behind-the-scenes look of the collection's fashion show, watch the video below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AeitJuFjwNY
]]>We are here to celebrate Jordan + You, the VILLA way. Join the movement.
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The latest Air Jordan 1 Retro is inspired by the uniform colors from that summer exhibition game where His Airness defied all of the rules, including those of physics, throwing a literally shattering slam dunk, raining down glass everywhere on himself and his competition.For more info, click here.
The event kicked off at our downtown Philly location on 12th and Chestnut.
Customers lined up outside for a glimpse of the Jordan-inspired festivities.
We hosted a live raffle.
Things get heated over at our NBA 2K section and pop-a-shot basketball machine.
]]>Cuffin' season is back and ready for you to lace up in something fresh this winter season. The Timberland 6" Premium Boot 'First Frost' puts a spin on the classic boot while offering a very unconventional colorway. Donned in a fresh bright blue, these VILLA exclusive timbs gives you that authentic winter feel. The premium waterproof leather and rugged lug outsoles offers warmth and comfort so you can boldly take on anything Mr. Frost throws your way. Time to tread the snow in these babies and get gone for the winter.