BAES WITH KICKS: SHANIQUA J The NYC-based content creator shares the root of her love for Air Jordan 1s.

Based in New York City, wardrobe stylist and content creator Shaniqua J has dedicated her platform SIMPLICITYxSTYLE to her love for fashion and sneakers. With around 60 pairs in her collection and counting, Shaniqua has always been fond of Nike‘s Air Jordan 1s. Whether she’s rocking leather pants with a graphic hoodie, or is dressed to the nines with a body-hugging gown with a slit, the creative knows how to style all types of fits with any Jordan silhouette.

In our latest Baes With Kicks feature, Shaniqua speaks to HYPEBAE about what ignited her love for sneaker culture, how she thinks NYC’s sneaker scene has grown over the years and how the industry can expand its inclusivity efforts in terms of its women’s offerings. Read on for our conversation.

Andrew Morales

Name: Shaniqua Jordan

City: Brooklyn, New York

Occupation: Wardrobe stylist and content creator

How many pairs of sneakers are there in your collection?

I currently have about 60 pairs. I went through a selling phase and I actually let go of some sneakers that I should have kept. I just have to live with that regret.

Andrew Morales

What are your top three go-to sneakers?

Nike Air Jordan 1s, Nike Air Force 1s and the New Balance 997.

Can you recall what ignited your love for sneaker culture and what inspired you to build your own footwear collection?

Sneaker culture has always been a part of me. My mother and uncles definitely played a role in that. I would have to say I fell in love with sneakers when I was in fifth grade of elementary school. Sneaker culture then was very different than it is now. I would get teased a lot because my last name is Jordan. Classmates would say things like, “She’s Michael Jordan‘s daughter with no Jordans.” Somehow, my then impressionable mind came to the conclusion that I needed to have every single pair released. That pretty much started my sneaker obsession

Being born in the ’80s, my mother was a diehard Reebok fan, so the 5411 was a staple. As I began to develop my own sense of style, I wanted to break away from letting my mother choose what I wore. I remember crying for a pair of Fila‘s Jerry Stackhouse — and those weren’t the last pair of sneakers I cried for.

When the Eastbay catalogs started to roll in, my peers and I would bring our magazines to school with all the sneakers circled that we wanted. Back then, Jordan releases came with retro cards, so we would have them up in our lockers. That was my first taste of release dates and anticipation for sneaker drops. Back then, the mom-and-pop stores would let you buy your sneakers a little early for a small fee — nothing like the resell fees now. However, it was a big deal to show up a week early with the newest kicks. There were a lot of extra chores being done around the house for early release money.

Andrew Morales

Who were some of your style inspirations growing up?

A few of my style inspirations came from those in music, like Aaliyah and Lil’ Kim. There were a few others but Aaliyah was really my number one. Her tomboy, chic aesthetic really appealed to me. Then there were TV shows like A Different World and The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air that also inspired me.

Where do you usually cop your kicks, both online and in-store? 

GOAT, Nike SNKRS, Stadium Goods, WOODstack NY and KITH.

What makes New York’s sneaker scene unique? And how do you think it has grown in the past few years?

New York City has an undeniable influence when it comes to fashion — sneaker culture included. What makes the New York sneaker scene so unique is that NYC is the Mecca of sneaker culture. From the birth of hip hop, which played a major role in the sneaker culture, to the summer basketball tournaments, the city is synonymous with the sport and culture of basketball. We can’t forget about the mom-and-pop sneaker spots from Fulton Street to Jamaica Avenue, all the way up to Fordham Road. 

I definitely feel the sneaker culture has grown just in the fact that more women are comfortable collecting and wearing sneakers. There was a stigma for a while that only tomboys wore sneakers, or you were looked at as less feminine if you wore sneakers. Now, you have things like sneaker balls where you can wear a form-fitted sexy dress with a pair of kicks and feel totally comfortable.

Andrew Morales

Which silhouette do you treasure the most and why?

As cliché as it may sound, I would have to say the Air Jordan 1. I know it has become the It style of Jordan, but for me, I literally can wear my Air Jordan 1s with anything — dressed up or dressed down. I hope to have my own Air Jordan 1 one day… a girl can dream, right?

How do you keep your shoes looking fresh?

I’m not as hard on my sneakers as I used to be as a teenager. I use Jason Markk cleaning wipes, or I’ll go the old school route with some toothpaste and a toothbrush.

What are some other footwear styles you wear regularly other than your sneakers?

Right now, I’ve been living in my YEEZY Foam Runners. I also can’t step out of my Maison Margiela Tabi Boots. For really cozy days, I can’t go without my Confetti mink slides.

Andrew Morales

What are some style trends you are enjoying at the moment?

I am really enjoying the oversized shoulder pad boyfriend jackets, especially cropped. I’ve also been loving the babushka headscarf and everything green — especially chartreuse, it’s the perfect pop of color and I am in love with it.

How do you think the sneaker industry can expand its inclusivity efforts in terms of its women’s offerings?

In my opinion, access is very important. It’s no secret the sneaker industry favors the needs of men over women, even when it comes down to sizing. Resellers even sell smaller sizes at higher prices because of rarity. Women-only releases are a step in the right direction but often aren’t without flaws or gender signifiers like feminine colorways. It’s as if women can only wear certain colors. We need access, and we need to be a part of more collaborations and campaigns. Women need the sneaker industry to recognize the importance of providing us a seat at the table.

WHIPS: Felipe Pantone Graces the Alpine A110S With Hand-Painted Pixel Patterning

Shortly after debuting the new 2021 LÉGENDE GT version of its A110 sportscar, French automaker Alpine has now tapped Argentine-Spanish artist Felipe Pantone for a trio of hand-painted A110S cars that were unveiled at last weekend’s Monaco Grand Prix.

Taking on the artist’s iconic visually stunning graphics, the art cars provide a black backdrop for Pantone’s red, blue and white pixelated patterning as a nod to the automaker’s French heritage. The color scheme is largely reminiscent of the Alpine Formula 1 team’s winter livery during pre-season testing and creates a visual representation of speed.

“My idea regarding the work on the A110 is to evoke a sense of ‘ultradynamism’,” explains Pantone about the concept behind his design. “Visual speed is something that I have been investigating for years now and that I feel it really comes together on this car, emphasizing its brilliant design with a fast, technological look.” The artist’s website further describes the creation as  ”a collision between an analog past and a digitized future, where human beings and machines will inevitably glitch alongside one another in a prism of neon gradients, geometric shapes, optical patterns, and jagged grids.”

If you’re interested in this artistic take on Alpine’s A110S, three of the cars will be sold for roughly $152,000 USD each, marking a $75,000 USD premium over the regular model.

FRESH KICKS:

Clarks Originals turns its focus to its epochal Desert Boot for Fall/Winter 2021, reworking the silhouette as a part of its eye-catching “Paint Pack”.

The Desert Boot — which took center stage in Clarks Originals’ “Jamaica Pack”earlier this year — is arguably the brand’s most iconic shoe. Traditionally crafted with a soft suede upper atop a sturdy crepe sole, the Desert Boot has gone on to dress an array of subcultures across the world for near on a century.

Now though, the boot takes on a slightly different look from its original, with a white-colored crepe sole that sits beneath a comfortable black upper. Completed with a duo of hang tags that have become synonymous with the brand, each boot is completed with subtle embossed branding at the heel.

Available to buy now from SVD, the Clarks Originals “Paint Pack” Desert Boot retails at €250 (approximately $304 USD).Ahead of the official release, we now have another look at the Air Jordan 4 “White Oreo.” The latest look reveals that the sure-to-be sought-after sneakers will come with a new shoebox with a light gray top marked with a red Jumpman motif and cement print bottom.

The take on the “Oreo” colorway features a premium white tumbled leather upper accented by matching mesh and speckled “Cement Grey” elements at the eyelets and midsole. Jumpman logos at the tongue, heel, insole and outsole, along with flipped “AIR JORDAN” badges at the back of the tongue serve as branding on the shoe. While a light gray sockliner, Air-assisted midsole paired with gray rubber outsole segments round up the design of the shoe.

Priced at $190 USD, the Air Jordan 4 “White Oreo” will be released July 3 at select retailers.For Spring/Summer 2021, Timberland has linked up with Los Angeles-based designer “Ari” Esco Montanez to rework its classic boat shoe in two striking iterations.

The designer — who honed his skills through the intensive PENSOLE Footwear Design Academy program at MIT — has taken the brown hand-stitched leather upper that’s become synonymous with the brand and paired it with functional rawhide lacing and a striking oversized red rubber outsole.

Housing the same rugged outsole but in black, a boot version also arrives dressed in pops of bright yellow. Crafted with Better Leather sourced from a sustainable tannery, the boot combines comfort and eco-conscious credentials which results in an unconventional remix that certainly catches the eye.

Both silhouettes are available to buy now from Timberland’s webstore in limited quantities, retailing from £175 (approximately $250 USD).Joining a recent detailed look, we now have another on-foot look at the Travis Scott x fragment design x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Military Blue.”

Sharing the same “Royal Blue/White/Sail/Black” mix utilized on the Air Jordan 1 High OG collaboration that has been heavily discussed recently, the shoe once again features a tumbled white leather base with black overlays and blue at the heel and collar. Branding comes in the form of “Sail” reversed midfoot Swooshes, debossing at the heel, Wings motifs at the rear, “NIKE AIR” tongue tags, Cactus Jack and fragment design tags, and insoles. Rounding up the design of the shoe is an off white midsole and contrasting blue rubber outsole.

Although no clear release notes have surfaced the Travis Scott x fragment design x Air Jordan 1 Low OG “Military Blue” is now expected to release sometime in the fall.Following early word at the start of the year, the adidas (XETRA:ADS.DE -0.10%) YEEZY BOOST 380 “Alien Blue” now has an official release date.

The latest sneaker from Kanye West‘s collaborative line features a camo-like pattern marked white low-cut Primeknit upper. Accenting the dynamic upper is a reflective perforated light green region and lacing system woven through the one-piece design. Rounding up the design of the shoe is a full-length BOOST-assisted midsole paired with an icy translucent blue rubber outsole.

Priced at $230 USD, the adidas YEEZY BOOST 380 “Alien Blue” will be released May 31 via the Confirmed app and at select retailers May 31.When it comes to Jordan Brand and retailer footwear collaborations, one can argue that few make as much noise as the projects executed with Union LA. In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the Los Angeles-based entity helmed by streetwear veteran Chris Gibbs is once again partnering up with the Jumpman family for another Air Jordan 4 collection titled “Tent and Trail that it has just officially unveiled.

Back in the 80’s and early 90’s outdoor clothing and gear was style trend omnipresent amongst city kids, and it’s this sensibility that serves as the inspiration for this newest capsule. The two-piece assemblage was designed to reflect that of the colors and materials utilized on hiking boots, bubble goose jackets and camping backpacks from this era. First on the roster is the Air Jordan 4 “Desert Moss”offering, which unites a rich yellow hue that is laid down on the suede mudguards and eyestays with contrasting “Dark Iris” quarters, collars and toe boxes. Hits of “Turquoise Blue” also make an appearance atop the lower eyelets and heel counter that hosts the more favored Nike Air branding.

Its release sibling — the “Taupe Haze” makeup — arrive executed with suede overlays dialed to its titular shade while “Roma Green” accents spill onto the forefoot eyelets and heels. “Blue Fury” accents follow suit and drop off onto the interior lining and exposed Air Jordan banners on the tongues.

Both options are slated to release in June, the “Desert Moss” installment seeing a launch through Union and SNKRS while the “Taupe Haze” makeup will drop as a Union exclusive.

KAWS:HOLIDAY Brings Its Hot-Air Balloon World Tour to the U.K.//KAWS Unveils New 'SEPARATED' COMPANION Vinyl Figures

Contemporary American artist KAWS, in partnership with Hong Kong creative agency AllRightsReserved, will take his KAWS:HOLIDAY series to the skies in the United Kingdom.

The cultural propeller’s massive inflatable works first appeared at Seokchon Lake in Seoul, South Korea, in 2018 and has since touched down in several international locations including Hong Kong, Taipei, and Virginia Beach. Now at its sixth stop, the KAWS:HOLIDAY series will host passengers in the sky on a hot-air balloon in the United Kingdom before taking off on a world tour at the end of this year.

The sculptural hot-air balloon — one of the world’s largest at 42 meters tall — reimagines the artist’s signature work, COMPANION, in larger-than-life proportions. KAWS first set flight to his flying creation in the hot-air balloon capitol of the United Kingdom: Bristol. Soaring above miles of breathtaking greenery, the colossal inflated character commanded the British skies in its debut, as pictured in the gallery above.

The KAWS:HOLIDAY Hot-Air Balloon World Tour will officially take off in the fourth quarter of 2020. The journey is now open for package inquiry and will accept both flat and cryptocurrency payments via FTX Pay on the DDT webstore.

To celebrate the latest addition to the KAWS:HOLIDAY series, the artist created a series of 12-inch-tall COMPANION collectibles, which arrive in three colorways: brown, grey and black. Additionally, KAWS offers up limited-edition containers in the same figurine construction and a hoodie featuring the series’ signature character surrounded by clouds.

The collectible figurines are priced at $250 USD, while the containers are marked at $890 USD. The hoodie will be sold for $99 USD. Shop the collection on the DDT webtore.After launching special book editions with Phaidon for his “WHAT PARTY” exhibitionat the Brooklyn Museum, KAWS now unveils his latest COMPANION vinyl figure entitled SEPARATED. Standing nearly eight inches tall, the unmissable mascot is featured sitting down with its hands covering its face. The edition arrives in three familiar colorways: grey, black, and brown. 

The figures are launching as part of the museum’s new dedicated online store for the exhibition which also includes WHAT PARTY figures featuring the artist’s recognizable Michelin Man-inspired character called CHUM, the original COMPANION versions, the flayed variants, URGE plate sets of four as well as puzzle sets and apparel to boot.

On view to the public from February 26 through September 5, 2021, “WHAT PARTY” marks the artist’s first physical exhibition since the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 100 original pieces are currently on display, including KAWS’ early-career subvertisements, collaborative works, furniture and monumental sculptures of his iconic characters. Check out the SEPARATED figure above and then head to Brooklyn Museum’s online store for “WHAT PARTY” to check out the full lineup of collectibles and merchandise.

ART: Rare KAWS 'UNTITLED (STORMTROOPERS)' Hits Phillips Auction Block /'Andy Warhol: Machine Made' NFT Collection Raises $3.38M USD at Christie's Sale

A rare 2000 KAWS painting has resurfaced onto the auction block. UNTITLED (STORMTROOPERS) is an early seminal work of the famed contemporary artist, featuring some of his most recognizable techniques. The piece is part of a larger auction hosted by Phillips for their 20th Century & Contemporary Art & Design sale.

Since the late 1990s, KAWS reimagined iconic characters from pop culture, especially that of the Stormtroopers from the Star Wars franchise. He often adds his own witty amalgamations, transforming classic figures on canvas, sculptures and toys. His mashups have soon formed the basis of his artistic style and a hallmark in modern-day art.

UNTITLED (STORMTROOPERS) sees KAWS cover one of the Stormtrooper’s face with the artist’s distinctive, skull and crossed bones cartoon-like mas. The other two Stormtroopers are portrayed wrapped in the embrace of a coiled snake-like creature, adorning an interpreted version of KAWS’ signature mask. The piece draws inspiration of Andy Warhol‘s Do-It-Yourself series of half-completed and handmade canvases. KAWS combines mixed media and brash imagery to playfully re-envision his trademark aesthetic.

The piece arrives at Phillips as an important early piece for the multi-layered artist. KAWS has undeniably been one of the most important artists in the world today and is currently honored at the Brooklyn Museum in New York.

UNTITLED (STORMTROOPERS) goes on sale on June 7. The work is expected to go for upwards of $205,000 USD. Those looking to place a bid can visit Phillips.

Following the recent auction of CryptoPunks NFT Portraits, Christie’s links up with The Andy Warhol Foundation for another monumental sale of five unique NFTs from the ‘Andy Warhol: Machine Made’ collection that garnered a total of $3,377,500 USD.

Andy Warhol not only dominated the physical art world but is now riding the digital wave. The Andy Warhol Foundation minted five distinct NFTs from restored and preserved files of his 1985 artworks, such as the “Amiga”, which were restored from floppy disks in 2014. No other NFTs will be minted from these files.

Net proceeds will be used to support the annual funding of The Andy Warhol Museum as well as the foundation’s efforts in supporting artists throughout America.

Starting the bid at $10,000 USD per artwork, each NFT sale was extended multiple times to serve over 200 bids in the last 24 hours of the bidding. The auction captivated a global audience with three successful bidders in the U.S., one in Europe and one in Asia.

“We are grateful for this opportunity to work with Christie’s on making a significant contribution to the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support artists,” commented Michael Dayton Hermann, Director of Licensing, Marketing, and Sales at The Andy Warhol Foundation. “Warhol’s innovative vision and practice continues to enable the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to artists by supporting small, community-oriented spaces, major museums, and everything in between.”

Kevin Feige Reveals 'WandaVision' Title Took Inspiration From Spike Lee's 'BlacKkKlansman'

Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige shared in a new interview that the title of WandaVision was heavily inspired by Spike Lee‘s 2018 film, BlacKkKlansman.

Speaking to Rolling Stone, he revealed that he managed to come up with show’s title during a formal lunch in 2018. “I didn’t want to call the show Wanda and Vision or The Scarlet Witch and Vision,” Feige said. “I was at the AFI [American Film Institute] luncheon in 2018 and I remember looking at the board where it listed the top 10 films and seeing BlacKkKlansman. I remember thinking, ‘How cool is that? They just mushed those two words together and the audience just accepts that as a title.’ So I thank Spike Lee for making BlacKkKlansman. I know that’s the weirdest connection ever, but that’s how it came about.”

Feige also explained that the idea of fusing old sitcoms with the MCU started around the time they were filming Avengers: Infinity War and Endgame. “And while we were in Atlanta shooting those two films together, there was a cable channel in the hotel where I was staying that every morning had Leave it to Beaver and My Three Sons. Rather than watching the news in the morning, I just had that on,” he explained, adding that he “found great comfort in old sitcoms” and that they were “so soothing.” He added, “The way those people had a problem and got to figure it out, man, you think ‘everything will be OK today,’ as we head out to whatever production issue we were having. I also started showing my kids The Brady Bunch. So I started to become fascinated with the idea of being able to play with that genre in a way that could both subvert what we do at Marvel and subvert what those shows were.