We arrived at Rucker around 7:45-8am and a few minutes later NBA Stars Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony and Dwayne Wade come out and start training with the kids. This was really fun to watch… especially as they were not going easy on the kids… even the really small ones! I felt quite sorry for the little ones… but it was funny watching D Wade blocking a kid 6 years old!

So 10-15 minutes go by and Simon (Nike) told me to get a seat on the court’s baseline, as something big was about to happen. Not knowing what was about to happen, I rushed over and sat under the basket…! They put out 4 chairs! CP, Melo and Wade… why 4? still didn’t know! Then I hear a roar from the kids! Still sitting down as I know kids “roar” about everything… until I saw the man himself… Michael Jordan… the greatest player to ever touch a basketball… walks on over and sits down with the others. At this point I’m screaming like a little girl who just met Justin Bieber! Moving on… Talking to the kids about basketball and what “For The Love of the Game” means to each of the players and presented awards to the kids also. It was an amazing experience and one that will stay with me, personally, forever.

check out the rest of the pics…

We then moved on to Radio City where all the media from around the world were there to meet and interview Coaches and players from the WBF!

Stay tuned for Pt 4… Jay Z, DJ Clark Kent and more!

With the gift of sound eye sight we are privy to a world of colour, but that doesn’t take away from our appreciation of the black and white image. Black and white imagery can evoke a range of emotion and convey a sense of history and mystery that the full spectrum of colour somehow robs us of. Here are a few of my black and white work that demonstrate this, I hope you like:

Out of the 3 pairs… these are by far our favourite. Solid colour midsole, full suede upper with tumbled leather swoosh and back tab. Again a simple 2 colour shoe with nothing but quality but behind it. The Size? logo at the back (which some people dont like) is embroidered beautifully and we feel that it makes the shoe complete. The inner-sole has Size? logos all over it too.

Launching on Saturday 11th September 2010 and if its anything like the first 2, this one is going to fly! Only 300 pairs available in the entire galaxy and again exclusive to Size?. This shoe completes phase 3 of the Size? x Nike colab and with just 2 shoes left to complete the years festivities. I wonder if anyone is going to buy the entire collection? hmmm

Again, available exclusively to Size? stores and Size? Online from the 11th September 2010

Enjoy…

YNG SQUIRE

Make Something, invites local youth to participate in workshops such as sign painting, photography, skateboard graphic design, toy design, filmmaking, tattoo art, footwear design and zine making. Workshops are hosted by renowned artists from the school of Losers and includes; Ed Templeton, Tobin Yelland, Geoff McFetridge, Shepard Fairey, Mike Mills, Todd James, Cheryl Dunn, Kaws and Mr Cartoon. The work created in each location will form an evolving exhibition, which will be open to the public.

Carri Munden, one of our finest exports from the UK who owns the clothing brand, Cassette Playa, is known for bringing fun and colour to fashion. It was exactly that sense of fun and excitement which ran through the Make Something School this week as Carri guided the students through the design and construction of their basketball inspired costumes for the upcoming World Basketball Festival at Rucker Park. The students designed their costumes off the back of a brain storming session focusing on the unique traits of the countries involved in the WBF- Puerto Rico, France, USA, China and Brazil- bringing a virtual global feel to the school!

Check out the videos…

Carri Munden costume making:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Ari Marcopoulos creating a zine with the kids:

Click here to view the embedded video.

When we entered, without knowing anything, this place was colourful and fun to be a part of. The creativeness of the kids was all over the walls, tables, clothes and even hanging from the ceiling!

For me, the most eye catching thing was the Jordan/Converse/Nike collab shoe that had no details, no label, no signs… NOTHING- just a shoe in a box in the corner of the room. This really got my attention and I am now wondering if they are going to be bringing this shoe out as a special edition.

The next post is going to be at Rucker Park and Radio City where we were in the presence of greatness… Michael Jordan to be exact.

Stay tuned…

Let’s get in to the convo…

Lamar, thank you for seeing us. How did it feel to win the NBA championships this year?

What’s funny is, when you win a championship, the feeling is great for that moment. 5-4-3-2-1 you did it… It’s great. Then after the press conferences and the champagne, you kinda have to put it behind you. It does something for you as far as basketball and as far as your confidence, and for how your team thinks- but now the mission is to do it again. So you can carry it with you, but there are some things you have to leave behind.

How important is it for you that Phil Jackson is coming back next year as head coach?

Yeah, it’s very important! Especially for me, (reaching) towards the end of my career than the beginning, but I’m glad he is coming back. It’s funny because even without Phil, his system will still be there on how we do things. I have become more than just a ‘player’ of his, but he is also a friend.

How hard do you think Miami is going to make it for you to make it a Three-peat next season?

It’s going to be tough! But like this USA Team, a lot of people ask me, “What do I think about the other teams?” And honestly- not to be cocky- I don’t! I feel like we do what we need to do and play our game…

OK, so are you planning on coming to check for us in London in October? (NBA Europe game)

Yeah, my whole family will be there. I have a family full of women who love to shop (laughs). I’m pretty sure they are looking forward to that trip. I have never been and I’m looking forward to it myself.

Obviously 2012 Olympics are going to be in London, so it’s a nice warm-up and you get a head start on finding out all the good spots to go to before the rest of the team, right?

(laughs) Yeah for sure, when 2012 comes I hope that I can have my spot on the team and yeah I can let all the guys know where to hang out and have fun, ‘coz I will be a veteran when its comes to going to London! But yeah I am looking forward to that, having the Olympics in London is going to be an amazing experience and I’m sure a lot of people are looking forward to it.

OK, moving away from basketball… Since marrying Khloe Kardashian, how has that changed your life and the media interest in you?

It’s different, I guess ‘coz you have 2 demographics of people coming together. The people that didn’t know about or care about basketball, now know who I am and the people who didn’t ‘keep up with the Karshashians’ now know who she is! We feel like anything is possible for what we want to do or places we want to go and things we want to seek out. It’s cool, but the paparazzi is still something I’m getting used to, but other than that its cool.

So since getting married, do you find yourself doing less washing up and less cooking?!

(laughs) Yeah, a little bit less washing up and less cooking! Well I was never the type of guy who did that…. I always got someone else to do that for me! (laughs)

Shout out to Emrah from Basket.de Germany and UKs newest basketball lifestyle magazine MVP.

MO LI HUA CHA

ALLEYWAY STEEZ

The Altitude 360° Viewing Gallery offers panoramic views of London’s most celebrated landmarks.

Located at the top of Millbank Tower, Westminster’s most iconic skyscraper, gives you unrivalled panoramic views of London. The 118 metre high tower is London’s answer to the Empire State Building. On a clear day you can see approximately 40km (25 miles) across seven counties; Middlesex, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, and Surrey.

Unlike other attractions, you can stay as long as you like so you can enjoy the spectacular 360 degree views at your leisure. You can even relax with a glass of Champagne or enjoy a bite to eat, and be entertained by a guided tour with their comedians!

For more info, and to book tickets, click here.

PURE (Trade Show):
Location: Olympia, London
Date: 02/08/2010

Monday morning and I was up early for another inspiring trip to Pure

Pure gives a wide offering of Womenswear, Young fashion, Shoes and accessories all under one roof so I could not wait to have a nose around the stands!

A variety of brands were waiting to be bought by buyers and it was clear some intense business decision-making was on the cards. As well as product for buyers, Pure is a great event for students and designers to come and see the new trends that may trigger off an inspiration for future collections.

The floor was packed out with well established brands as well as the newbie’s of the fashion world, but what caught my attention the most was the inspiring and gorgeous catwalks presented both on the womenswear stage and the young fashion stage.

Innovative work from fashion graduates as well as brands such as FullCircle, MoodyWood, About Face and Only kept the catwalk walk alive and fresh.

Another reason why I attend Pure is to sit in on their popular seminars, presented by some of the top influential people in fashion and business.

The information presented at Pure is undoubtedly beneficial to any fashion retailer or designer. WGSN’s seminar was the highlight of my day where Lorna Hall presented their trends to us for Spring/Summer 2011 and gave their advice on key items to buy into. Also not to forget a mini catwalk and interview with Zandra Rodes and Vogue.com to promote Zandra’s handbag and footwear range!

Overall I had a fantastic day! As well as the goodie bags on offer, I have come away with anticipation for the next seasons hot looks!

Pure’s Fashion Show:

The attendants of Pures fashion event were desperately scribbling down shapes and silhouettes from the Catwalk in a hope to have the latest looks for their brands.

A buzzing atmosphere was surrounding the ten separate scenes for the show. All were fully accessorized with the latest shoes, handbags and jewellery all waiting to be ordered by the buyers.

Here are some of wearehq’s favorites:

This beautifully balanced silhouette designed by Rebecca Thomson brings both smart and comfort into a look. I love the chunky bow and sweat material trousers. Watch out for the new sport lux look!

This very innovative design that portrays a fresh take on a warrior styled look. Take elements of this look into Spring/Summer 2011 Designed by Naomi New.

High shine metallic’s and bold colours are a hot trend for S/S 2011!

Prints are still going to be a big hit for next season! Definitely invest in the tie dye, tribal or digital prints

I love this cute feminine dress. Perfect for spring summer and beautifully accessorized with floral ankle socks and matching flower hairpiece!