Whether it is an athlete, actor, or musician, superstars are one in a million. A small list of extraordinary beings who managed to dominate their respective industries earned the right to be called superstars. A feat of this magnitude doesn’t come easy in the slightest. Blood, sweat, and tears are simply qualifications in hopes of reaching the top tier. Above all, superstars stand the test of time no matter the era. The self-proclaimed adidas ‘Superstar’ is just that, with over 40 years of shining bright on the sneaker culture.
Notoriously worn for Olympic competition, adidas was the top brand for track and field athletes in the early 1960s. Despite its running success, adidas began to set their sights on providing tennis shoes for basketball. Then chairman, Horst Dassler, had aspirations of tapping into the American market with a new design concept in mind for the hardwood classic sport. Older shoe models were hard on feet due to constant pounding on the court. Since the tennis shoe material wasn’t able to absorb much impact, unfortunately, athletes got the short end of the stick. What tends to show signs of distress first is usually the sole falling apart. The adidas brand came up with the bright idea of creating a leather shell toe designed to establish more stability with a fraction of the weight. The innovative shell toe design enabled sneakers from eventual wear and tear to lifelong durability. Due to its practically indestructible sole, the shoe was originally released in 1964 as the ‘Super Grip’.
After years of assimilation, adidas finally got basketball players on board with wearing their kicks. During resurgence, adidas decided to change the name from ‘Super Grip’ to ‘Superstar’. The world was on notice once the 1969 Boston Celtics team won their NBA championship wearing adidas Superstars. With the basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabar being the first official NBA player to endorse the brand, adidas made some strong strides to shape the culture.
The adidas brand went on to expand its global reach by signing the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group RUN DMC back in the late 1980s. The iconic Hip-Hop trio wore adidas tracksuits and laceless shell toes unlike any other. This trendsetting style sparked a phenomenon that had fans rushing malls to emulate their distinct sense of style. RUN DMC’s 1986 sneaker anthem, “My Adidas” became the soundtrack for a new generation.
In the early 2000s, Adidas decided to enhance the 3 striped classics. The Adidas ‘Superstar 2’ debuted with a familiar silhouette, with richer materials and a thick padded tongue. With skateboarding being a hot commodity, the new edition became a fan favorite for avid skaters and thrill-seekers. The 2000s birthed a legacy list of dope collaborations with new age artists and design aficionados. Creatives and everyday wearers consider the Adidas ‘Superstar’ as a lifestyle sneaker these days.
Even though technology has exceeded its original model, people continue to cop the historic shoe today. As new kicks and colorways hit the market every day, the Adidas ‘Superstar’ continues to shine the brightest.
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.
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 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.
Maybe it's the millennial in me, but I find it extremely hard to choose a pair of dress shoes over fresh kicks. Due to a recent hypebeast phenomenon, couples are now incorporating the sneaker culture into their wedding outfits. Jordans being a prominent brand, I’ve thought of 3 Jordans silhouettes that are dressy enough to pull off at a wedding.
The Air Jordan 1 set the tone as the tennis shoe standard. By being the breakthrough design, the shoe is considered as mildly conservative in look. With so many colorways, I am sure you can find the perfect pair to match your outfit.
Air Jordan 4 has a basic outline that is eloquently placed in the right areas. With a global appeal for general athletic footwear, the shoe is classy up top and street down bottom.
The Air Jordan 11 made non-sneakerheads take notice of the creations that are being made. Patent leather shell is similar to dress shoes, while the upper laces blend in casually.
No matter which pair of Jordan’s you choose, just make sure they compliment the entire outfit.
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