NYC EKIN SEASONAL RECAP

NYC EKIN SEASONAL RECAP fa 17 [Jul | Aug | Sept]

HIGHLIGHTS

NIKE REACT TRAIN & TRIAL

CLICK FOR FULL RECAP

Nike React Recap Video (pw: nike)

BREAKING2 | PROJECT 101 SCREENING

PHOTOS

Project 101 Documentary

WHAT'S HOT? | WHAT'S NOT?

RUNNING:

HOT: PEGASUS 34 | ZOOM FLY | STRUCTURE 21
NOT: FREE RN DISTANCE 2 | AIR MAX FURY

"THE CONSUMER DOESN'T CONNECT WITH AIR MAX AS A RUNNING TECHNOLOGY, SO THE AIR MAX FURY GETS LOST ON THE RUNNING WALL."

BASKETBALL:

HOT: KYRIE 3 | PG1
NOT: LEBRON 14 LOW | KOBE A.D. MUSE PACK

"THAT'S THE MOST FREQUENT QUESTION I GET - WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO WITH THE KOBE LINE?"

WOMEN:

HOT: CORTEZ | VAPORMAX
NOT: ZOOM STRONG 2 | SF-AF1 MID

NSW:

HOT: AIR FORCE 1 | AIR MAX 97
NOT: AIR MAX ZERO | DUALRACER/DUAL TONE

"THE AIR MAX ZERO USED TO BE SPECIAL. THE STORY WAS GREAT. THERE WERE ONLY TWO COLORWAYS AND IT WAS LIMITED. NOW, WITH ALL THE COLORS ON THE WALL Y'ALL MADE IT ANOTHER 'REGULAR' NIKE SHOE."

JORDAN:

HOT: FLYKNIT JORDAN 1 (BRED) | JORDAN V 'FLIGHT SUIT' (BLUE)
NOT: JORDAN V PRM | JORDAN VIII 'CEMENT'

"HONESTLY, PEOPLE WOULD RATHER HAVE THE PLAYOFF VIIIs....THESE WERE TOO CLOSE IN LOOK."

TRENDS

PANTS TUCKED IN SOCKS:

Sock game is back strong. Kanye and Shia Labeouf (who is lowkey a style icon) have been rocking this look for a minute, but this summer it made its way into Streetwear and Sportswear with track pants being the main pant style of choice. Plain Nike Crew socks are showing up big in this trend, and so are classic tube socks. Who knew that a look that was intended to help prevent tick bites in the wild would be adopted by cool kid extraordinaires?

CROSS-BODY BAGS:

The Fanny Pack isn't just for tourists anymore! Supreme has been leading the pack here, but the style is being adopted by many fashion communities. The Skate community has been on this for a while (as they tend to be ahead of the curve from a counterculture perspective) with brands like Canal, Lurk NYC, Chrystie, and Theories making dope product. While it serves a functional purpose for the shredders (and Tourist Dads, of course) it is truly finding its place in the fashion world.

QUILTED SLIP-ON SNEAKER:

From Steve Madden to High End footwear brands, these quilted leather slip-ons are everywhere! It is simple enough to be worn as a sneaker, and luxurious enough to be worn in any aspect of daily life - work, school, play. Versatility is everything here. Also, cheap price point. its almost as if someone said "hmm how can we take a Vans slip on and make it look mature?"

SILKY DURAG:

What once was a just a functional headdress became the summer's biggest accessory. The DuRag (otherwise known as the 'Silky') has found its way back into streetwear. The ASAP Mob has been championing the piece. There is also an element of exclusivity as you can only get the right "Silky" from specific brands. Continuing the High Fashion x Streetwear love affair, you can find DuRags laced with prints from some of the most recognizable Luxury brands (albeit unsanctioned).

FENTY BEAUTY:

Sold $72 MILLION. In One MONTH. Media attention was a major part of the success with Rihanna popping up at the Sephora in Times Square. More importantly, the line was applauded for offering a wide variety of make up selections for a wide variety of skin tones - something currently missing in the beauty industry.

MUSIC:

Cardi B: Literally the HOTTEST rapper in the City right now. Had incredible success this summer when her song "Bodak Yellow" was the first female rap song in 20+ years to hit the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 without any features.
A Boogie: A Boogie (otherwise known by his real name, Artist) is one of the young guys making waves in NYC. His songs are the right amount of moody to be relatable, and the right amount of NYC swag to be universal. The Bronx-bred MCee speaks very much like the youth and is just living his best Artistic life.
Daniel Caesar: a new name in the R&B game, his album dropped this summer to critical and cultural acclaim. Caesar continues the streak of Canadian (namely Toronto) artists finding success here in the US with their unique sound.

NYC CULTURAL MOMENTS

Nike "Off Campus"

Nike x Virgil Abloh's "Off Campus" was many things - Moderated discussions with creatives, DIY Workshops with creatives, and a modern shoe museum with sculptures highlighting the most anticipated collection of the year with - you guessed it - Creatives. It was amazingly curated, and some would even say it swung the pendulum of energy and culture back to Nike's side. SEPT 7 - 9.

adidas "Don't Be Quiet, Please"

adidas "Don't Be Quiet Please" was a celebration frequent collaborator Pharrell Williams' new performance tennis collection. adidas took over a tennis court in Harlem with an activation that felt "more like a block party designed for the youth" of the community with tennis workshops with real coaches and meet-and-greets with adidas pro players. As the US Open kicked off, adidas’ QUIET PLEASE expanded as they placed ten umpire chairs throughout the city that represent loudness, love, and expression. The chairs encourage the community to hop on and deliver some positivity and honesty to their fellow New Yorkers. AUG 28.

Afropunk Fest

Afropunk Fest is more than just the "Black Coachella." It is an Incredibly energetic and alternative music/cultural festival where you'll see the highest levels of self-expression and confidence on display. Afropunk really captures the pulse of the Afrocentric culture of music, fashion and art. As Time Out Mag describes it "In addition to two packed days of hip-hop, soul and rock music, Afropunk brings an unmistakeable, fearless sense of style to Fort Greene’s Commodore Barry." Interestingly enough, Under Armour held an activation at this year's event. AUG 26 - 27. http://afropunk.com/

Pizza Zoo

What began as a Pizza Party for 50 people has turned into a social media driven phenomenon - and a profitable business as well. This adult Pizza Party - which is one of the largest gatherings for the NYC Latino community with well over 2,000 guests - prides itself on its inclusivity, which they say is what truly makes them stand out from other day parties. Unlimited pizza and Drinks! SEPT 2. http://people.com/chica/pizza-zoo-adult-party-unlimited-alcohol-pizza/

Brunch Bounce

Starting off as a small gathering for friends as an alternative to NYC Nightlife, Brunch Bounce has outgrown its original home and now travels from borough to borough with the sole mission of providing pure unadulterated fun. "Built on the ethos of come with a good vibe, a smile and your dancing shoes, Brunch Bounce "- as the site puts it - "exists to provide a judgement free zone where you can let all your inhibitions go and just have fun on the dance floor with your friends and Brunch Bounce family while listening to some of the best DJ's in New York City play out some of the best music." SEPT. 9

Cuffing SZN

The idea of #CuffingSzn is genius - speed dating with a party attached to the back end! Cuffing Season is everyone's chance to find their "bae" before the weather gets too cold and you're relegated to indoor fun. CuffingSzn has become the go-to event for those looking to build their network, make new friends, or even start a budding romance. Great vibes, drinks on chill, and a room full of people ready to connect! this is definitely an event to keep an eye on as its experienced an exponential growth.

COMPETITOR INSIGHTS

adidas Womens

adidas Women is still on fire. From capturing the perfect balance between sporty look and everyday wear to providing the right assortments that blend together seamlessly. They do a great job of merchandising like patterns. styles and color stories together, making it easy for Her to shop.

Alala

This five piece, all black collaborative capsule between luxury activewear brand Alala and the original Hip-Hop yoga studio Y7 is getting good buzz. The strength of the collection is that all pieces can be used by those with an active lifestyle as well as those who prefer the coziness and versatility of the "Athleisure" look.

Mitchell & Ness (Retro Basketball Styles)

While not quite a direct competitor, the continued success of Mitchell & Ness and their authentic retro product puts Nike in an interesting position. Now that we have the NBA contract, the consumer has been asking what, if anything, will Nike do when it comes to retro player/teams. While there clearly is an appetite for retro styles, the consumer desires a piece that is as close to the original as possible in material and feel.

Reebok

Reebok partnered with Atlanta based boutique Epitome and its owner Martina McFly to make a special Instapump Fury for women. The model is inspired by “The Evolution of the Woman,” taking cues from the power of femininity and the bright future that awaits womankind. The lookbook used hyperlocal influencers (i.e. Quin) to validate across a wide audience, and although Epitome is based in Atlanta, the NYC saw an exclusive release on October 12.

Puma

Rihanna makes ANOTHER appearance, this time with her always risk-taking footwear and apparel collection. To preheat the FA/Ho 17: Fenty University collection, Puma sold select pieces out of a school bus!

THANK YOU:

WADE RAY | ARINZE EMEAGWALI | LESLIE SMITH | CHRIS NUELLE | JAKE NEAL

Appreciate