Rose in Good Faith co-founder and CEO David Teitelbaum wanted the brand’s first sneaker to be an attention-grabber, just like the rest of their edgy luxury offerings. Rose in Good Faith built its cult following by celebrating culture through an authentic lens and taking risks. Teitelbaum and co-founder Akiva Alpert knew they wanted the shoe to be sustainable, and that the sex toy angle would ramp up excitement about the design. The brand spent nearly two years working on a process that could turn sex toys that didn’t meet Doc Johnson’s quality standards into a truly wearable shoe.

“When we started the design process, I wanted to create something that was both timeless and exceptionally useful,” Teitelbaum told Paper. “Turns out, we produced a shoe that’s more comfortable than any shoe on the market, and just like our collaborations, the piece tells a story. We hope the shoe will transcend time and inspire a new perspective on upcycling.”

The process grinds the former sex toys into tiny millimeter-sized chunks of thermoplastic elastomer mixed with non-bleach EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam, which is then injection-molded into the shape of the shoe. The Plastic Soul is a single-piece slip-on white shoe that sort of resembles an elevated, more stylish high-fashion version of Crocs.

“We are so proud of this partnership with Rose In Good Faith to promote sex positivity through fashion and innovation,” says Doc Johnson’s COO Chad Braverman. “It was important to us that we create a shoe that was conscious of environmental impact, which is why we are beyond thrilled to make these using our upcycled sex toy materials. We can’t wait to get these out in the world as part of our global movement to de-stigmatize sexual health and wellness.”

Perhaps some consumers will immediately be turned off by the idea of wearing former sex toys on their feet. But Rose in Good Faith is betting that it’ll be a selling point for their youthful clientele, who care about the environment just as much as they care about looking cool. “We are intersected between our community of hyper-progressive individuals and the broader luxury-fashion industry,” Alpert told Forbes. “You’ll see our fits worn in the mosh pit of a trap-metal show and in the streets during Paris Fashion week.“

Rose in Good Faith’s previous collaborations have included a six-piece luxury collection reviving 90s cult classic JNCO jeans as a series of bright baggy unisex garments, an Ed Hardy collection targeting early-aughts nostalgia, and a Greenpeace-themed capsule collection in partnership with the estate of late rapper Lil Peep.

The post Rose in Good Faith Recycles Unused Sex Toys into the Ultimate Slip-On Shoe first appeared on Dornob.

The project fit with the Home and Garden store’s mission to “encourage people to be as creative as possible, develop their own DIY projects, and set themselves no limits.” The project was especially impressive “because the shoe, including the pool, is made entirely of materials that are available from Hornbach,” the company explained in a press release.

“With the help of assembly instructions, anyone could build furniture at home,” it continued. “With the Sneaker Pool, Hornbach is taking a step into the sneaker scene.”

While that might seem like a strange direction for a hardware chain to take, off-the-wall advertising is the norm for Hornbach. “Sneakers and pool don’t go together thematically? We say: Of course it fits! Crazy projects are in our DNA! With the Hornbach Sneaker Pool, we show how far the current love of sneakers can go.”

Earlier this year, the DIY brand teamed up with production agency Heimat on a zany two-minute commercial featuring neglected yard plants that abandoned their native soil to take a raucous joy ride to Hornbach. On the way, they run over garbage cans, compete in streetcar races, and get ticketed by a police officer.

“There’s a bit of anarchy,” Heimat founder Guido Heffels says of the brand’s approach to advertising. “A bit of giving people a good feeling whenever they create, and whatever they work on.”

The company is no stranger to collabs either, having most recently worked with Chinese visual artist Ai Weiwei, “who developed a complete work of art from DIY materials to recreate at home.” Before that, they worked with “Danish designer Sigurd Larsen and Japanese architect Yo Shimada [to design] pieces of furniture purely from DIY materials.”

In addition to working with shoe store 43halb, the hardware brand also enlisted production company Neulant van Exel for help in assembling the enormous footwear fixture. The giant Sneaker Pool was unveiled at an exclusive launch event, garnering comments that ranged from “Sensational!” to “Kinda bizarre” to “Just amazing!” At least a few guests were allowed to try out the pool during the gala.

During the event, the company explained, “The Hornbach Sneaker Pool is a tongue-in-cheek reminder that the outdoor pool season is in full swing and that anything is possible with the wide pool range from Hornbach.”

They added, “For Hornbach, sneakers and DIY are both means of creative self-expression. This playful and colossal project merges the two outlets.”

The post Berlin Fashion Week’s Coolest Couture? The Sneaker Pool first appeared on Dornob.

The problem starts when a person with diabetes gets a sore on their foot. When someone without diabetes gets a cut or blister on their foot, they can feel it, a signal to them to take care of it and put less pressure on that foot as it heals. However, one of the major side effects of diabetes is nerve damage that can keep patients from feeling their feet at all. Consequently, when they get a foot injury, they don’t recognize it until it turns into an ulcer. Diabetes also causes reduced blood flow, which makes wounds heal slower and makes them more susceptible to infection. If that happens and the infection spreads to the bone, the last recourse is amputation.

After treating thousands of diabetic patients in his practice, Dr. Hanft was disturbed by how little progress had been made during his tenure. After interviewing 5,000 patients and clinicians, he realized that the issue lay with the medical boots given to patients with foot ulcers. Patients reported they were hard to walk in, hard to get on, and attracted extra attention, making them feel self-conscious.

“That was my light bulb moment. We’re asking morbidly obese people, for the most part, to reach down to the bottom of their foot to put devices on,” Hanft told FastCompany. “And they can’t reach down to the bottom of their foot.”

He added, “We know what we need to do. We need to create a device that’s easy to use and patients want to use in their daily activities of living, which is what we feel has been missing in the care of these wounds.”

After raising capital for a new kind of diabetic boot, Hanft reached out to Michael DiTullo, a former designer at Nike and Converse, to help create a shoe that would work both physically and aesthetically. DiTullo got right to work, initially trying to tweak the traditional medical boot to better fit diabetic needs. Unfortunately, it turned out to be extremely expensive to make even small changes to the existing boots, preventing him from making the needed stylistic and structural adjustments.

“A year in I said, ‘I think we’re doing this wrong,’” DiTullo said. “We need to stop trying to teach a medical factory to make a consumer-grade good, and go to a shoe factory that knows the fit and finish we need and teach it how to build with the precision we need.”

He and Hanft went back to the drawing board to create a design from scratch. The new shoe needed to redistribute weight off the balls of the feet, where most sneakers place it for optimal sports performance. DiTullo instead put a heel drop of 2 millimeters into his boot, allowing the wearer to tilt slightly toward their heels.

“Thinking of someone who is often over 250 or 300 pounds, there’s a lot of pressure coming down,” he explains. “We want to make sure there’s more suspension travel, so they never experience bottoming out.”

He also made it easier for patients to get into the shoe by designing two separate pieces. The Velcro front of the Foot Defender can be completely peeled off for easy foot insertion into the back’s injection-molded hard structure. Once the foot is inside, a 1980s Reebok’s-style pump button on the side inflates an inner bladder near the ankle to lock the heel into place. The result is a boot that can reduce the force on the bottom of the wearer’s foot by up to 80 percent compared to other medical options. Plus, it looks cool, like a Jordan high-top, increasing the likelihood that patients will actually wear it.

While still in its infancy, the Foot Defender has already won an award from the Symposium on Advanced Wound Care. Hanft and DiTullo hope to have its benefits validated through a peer-reviewed study in 2023, but interested patients can already buy the $250 boot online today at the company website.

The post Former Nike Designer and Podiatrist Partner to Create an Amputation-Preventing Boot first appeared on Dornob.

Adults

Crocs Unisex-Adult Crocband II Clogs

Crocs may not be the sexiest shoes ever, but you got to admit they’re comfortable. This unisex offering comes in black, gray, navy, pink, espresso, and seasonally appropriate pool blue. This Prime Day, they’re 30 percent off at just $34.99.

Riders by Lee Indigo Women’s Denim Jacket

Looking for a good denim jacket at a great price? The Riders by Lee Denim Jacket is 35 percent off this Prime Day at $24.07, and it’s available in a range of denim shades as well as white, baby blue, red, and more.

Amazon Essentials Women’s Classic-Fit Short-Sleeve V-Neck T-shirt Pack of 2

Time to stock up on classic V-neck t-shirts. Amazon’s own house brand is offering two-packs for just $13.20, and there are tons of color options to choose from.

Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts

The Levi’s Women’s 501 Original Shorts feature a high rise and a casual cutoff raw hem, available in a range of cute colors with some plus-size options, too. They’re 40 percent off this Prime Day at $35.70.

Under Armour Women’s Ignite Ix Spectrum Slide Sandal

Everybody needs a pair of comfy slides for the gym, pool, or just as house shoes. Under Armour’s women’s Ignite Ix model has a soft foam footbed, a velcro strap, and so many color options you’ll find it hard to choose from. This Prime Day, they’re 23 percent off at $24.50.

Calvin Klein Women’s Modern Cotton Unlined Wireless Bralette

Few bras are ever quite as cozy as Calvin Klein’s cult hit bralette. Get it in classic black, white, or gray, or select a fun bright color to peek through your summer tank tops. They’re 47 percent off during Prime Day for $18.38 each.

Adidas Men’s Essentials Warm-Up 3-Stripes Track Top

Forever an athleisure classic, the Adidas Men’s Essentials Warm-Up 3-Stripes Track Top zips up the front and features the classic Adidas stripes running from the collar to the wrists. This Prime Day, you can snatch it up for 48 percent off at $26.25.

Levi’s Men’s 505 Regular Fit Jeans

Levi’s jeans are made to last, and the brand’s 505 regular fit are an especially enduring favorite. These straight-leg 99-percent cotton men’s jeans have a little extra room in the thigh for comfort. Even better, they’re 45 percent off on Prime Day, priced at $37.98.

Van Heusen Men’s Dress Shirt Regular Fit Oxford

Stock up on some ultra-affordable men’s dress shirts this Prime Day. The Van Heusen Oxford button-down shirt is just $13.99 and you can pick your favorite of seven colors.

Wrangler Authentics Men’s Premium Twill Cargo Short

The Wrangler Authentic Men’s Premium Twill Cargo Shorts are just what you need for summer weekends. They’re 100 percent cotton with a relaxed fit and priced at just $16.

Goodthreads Men’s Patterned Socks, Pack of 5

From Amazon’s Goodthreads brand comes a five-pack of some cool sock prints fitting men’s shoe sizes 9 through 12. Get them for just $11.10 this Prime Day, 30 percent off the original price.

Kids

Levi Baby Boys Straight Fit Jeans

How adorable are these tiny Levi’s jeans for babies? Though marked for boys, they could obviously work for a child of any gender. Snatch them up in several sizes for just $10.96 each this Prime Day, a whopping 71 percent off.

Burt’s Bees Baby Unisex Pajamas Zip-Front

These absolutely adorable zip-front footed sleeper pajamas are available in sizes ranging from newborn to 24 months and come in prints like “happy herbivores,” “merry mushrooms,” “misted mountains,” stripes, and more. They’re also 47 percent off this Prime Day at $8.97 each.

Simple Joys by Carter’s Toddlers and Baby Girls 4-Piece Long-Sleeve Shirt & Pants Set

Two whole outfits for under $15? Yep. The Simple Joys by Carter’s 4-piece set comes with two long-sleeve shirts and two pairs of matching pants for just $13.90.

Adidas Boys’ Stay Dry Moisture-Wicking Aeroready Short Sleeve T-shirt

Win the battle against your kid’s smelly athletic wear by choosing moisture-wicking fabrics like Adidas Stay Dry. This Aeroready short-sleeve t-shirt will run you a mere $8.40 this Prime Day, 63 percent off regular pricing.

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The post Stock Up on Style with These Prime Day 2022 Clothing Deals first appeared on Dornob.

“Created from the Maison’s desire to explore innovative materials and techniques for the future, the latest footwear versions of the Open and Rockstud Untitled for the first time partially involve recycled and bio-based materials while continuing to reflect the aesthetic and trademark motifs of the Maison, representing a conscious, firm step on the path to a sustainable ethos,” the company said in a press release.

Instead opting for the original leather, Valentino gave their updated kicks uppers and side bands partially made from renewable materials derived from corn-based polyols. More commonly used as sugar-free sweeteners, polyols are naturally occurring sugar alcohols that can be turned into leather alternatives, making them a more organic and biodegradable option with a smaller carbon footprint.

The white Open sneakers for men come in a choice of side band hues: green, black, and white. They all feature the signature Valentino studs in white at the base of the heel, but the soles boast a distinctive black speckled pattern reminiscent of recycled paper. The women’s Rockstud versions enjoy a burst of color with a line of playful studs (themselves made from recycled nylon) around the side band. Both sets of shoes have laces constructed from recycled polyester and soles made partially from recycled rubber.

Valentino also chose green materials for the shoes’ packaging, with each pair being wrapped in recycled cotton and paper from sustainably managed forests.

These environmentally minded shoes were first introduced at Paris Fashion Week in October 2021. “With Valentino Garavani Open for a Change, our first conscious-driven product, we reinforce our brand commitment toward more sustainable business practices,” CEO Jacopo Venturini told WWD at the time. “I think it’s important that we continue this way and set targets going forward that are more and more ambitious toward conscious-driven creative innovations. At Valentino we are building on our history and legacy with a new attitude and a new culture based on a couture culture which I believe is absolutely vital to our next chapter. A culture of values is what we are injecting in Valentino. I am committed to this mission; I believe this is going to be key for the future.”

Other recent sustainable decisions by the luxury fashion house include the 2020 ban on alpaca fleece and a pledge to go fur-free in 2022. Going forward, the company plans to add more product redesigns to its Open for a Change campaign to further its eco-centric aims.

The company adds that “The path undertaken by Valentino Garavani Open for a Change is marked by the desire to change gears while sticking to the brand’s artisanal tradition. The quest is to immerse in the here and now, answering today’s questions employing timeless artifacts through seasons and trends.”

Those interested in owning the new vegan kicks can buy a pair of the Open for $690 or a pair of the Rockstud Untitled for $850 in Valentino boutiques worldwide or on the company website.

The post Valentino Gives Classic Shoes a Plant-Based Makeover first appeared on Dornob.

To solve these problems, tech companies like Virtuix and Kat have introduced first-stage omnidirectional treadmills, while companies like Cybershoes have created wheeled footwear that can approximate the movement of running while swinging the legs in a seated position. These are all on the right track generally, but none have actually been able to mimic the real-life motions of walking while in a game. Enter the Ekto One VR boots.

While still in the prototype phase, the Ekto One are individual shoes with motorized wheels that can track the users’ movements and propel them backwards each time they take a step forward. Each boot is essentially a mini treadmill, but because they attach to the feet, the user can theoretically move in any direction while still remaining in the designated play space.

This feat is achieved by attaching a pair of Vive visual trackers to each shoe to monitor the user’s position in real-time. While it may look strange to an outside observer, the wearers feel enveloped in their game or training without any accompanying nausea.

Some reviewers who have tried out the beta shoes report that there are certainly a lot of kinks to work out. For starters, they take a full five minutes to attach. Users keep on their normal footwear and slip them into the adjustable Ekto Ones, cinching them down for a snug fit. Then extra ankle sensors are attached and properly positioned.

Reviewers also complain about the weight and clunkiness of the boots. Because of their bulk, just walking around in them for 20 minutes can be a workout, especially as the user has to be careful not to let the shoes bump into each other to avoid falling.

On the other hand, users did like that that the shoes’ soles are divided into two moveable parts, providing more flexibility in walking than just a solid piece of plastic.

Currently, the company is selling the Ekto One shoes for between $15,000 and $20,000, a less-than consumer-friendly price tag. The VR footwear is being marketed to businesses right now in hopes of securing enough funding to further develop and scale the product to make it more affordable for the masses.

The Ekto Ones go way beyond gaming, too. Businesses can utilize the boots for industrial training purposes for things like VR simulations of complex and hazardous environments. Theme parks and museums can also purchase them to provide commercial VR experiences for their visitors.

With more funding from corporations and venture capitalists, the shoes should eventually become lighter and nimble enough to simulate natural movement. While the Ekto One VR boots may not be the complete answer to turning our world into Ready Player One just yet, they’re certainly a step in the right direction.

The post VR Boots Give Users a More Immersive Metaverse Experience first appeared on Dornob.

The video game store is modeled after the company’s Oregon headquarters and allows players to play rounds of “Tag,” “The Floor is Lava,” and “Dodgeball” with their online avatars. Participants can also design their own mini-games using interactive sports gear.

“Nike created this bespoke world with the backdrop of its world headquarters and inside Roblox’s immersive 3D space, building on its goal to turn sport and play into a lifestyle,” the company said in an official press release.

More importantly for the sportswear giant, gamers can outfit their avatars with digital brand merchandise like hats, shirts, cleats, and of course, sneakers.

“Experience global football in an official Roblox colorway of the Mercurial football boot,” the press release reads. “Gear up in classics like the Air Force 1 and Nike Blazer and in new drops like the Air Force 1 Fontanka and the Air Max 2021. All can be found in the digital showroom, along with a host of other Nike apparel staples like ACG and Nike Tech Pack.”

Players can earn these products by collecting Gold Medals in NIKELAND. That requires completing competitions, building up yards, exploring, and finding Easter eggs. Additionally, Nike fans can purchase any of the exclusive apparel in the digital showroom.

The company is also creating an augmented reality experience in its flagship store in New York to merge the digital and physical realities. “Nike’s commitment to inspiring the advancement and innovation of the future of sports experiences will continue this December when the brand brings the immersive world of Roblox and NIKELAND to life at Nike’s HOI (House of Innovation) in New York.”

Using a Snapchat filter, people visiting the kids’ floor there will be able to “see the space transformed into an augmented reality version of NIKELAND, including its signature avatars, fun games to play, and NIKELAND-inspired Easter eggs to find.”

The Roblox foray could prove to be a lucrative new branch of the company’s revenue streams. The global metaverse market is forecasted to produce over $6 billion in 2021. Some experts believe it could reach $41 billion within another five years.

Further evidence that Nike is planning to build up their virtual reality presence can be found on their job boards. With an October 23rd job listing for a “Virtual Material Designer of Footwear” among other virtual design roles, the company is calling for a “Digital Product Creation group” that will focus on “igniting the digital and virtual revolution at Nike.”

The athletic wear brand is also taking steps to protect their intellectual property in the broader metaverse. In late October 2021, the company filed seven applications with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, among which were the terms “Nike,” “Air Jordan,” “Jumpman,” the brand’s slogan “Just Do It,” and its iconic swoosh logo.

Having ownership of their catchphrases and names will help them police the use of their intellectual property across the many digital universes that are exploding in popularity across the globe.

The post Nike Poised to Make Metaverse Profits with New Roblox NIKELAND first appeared on Dornob.

Women’s

Columbia Women’s Fast Trek Jacket – $35

The ultimate mid-layer for chilly weather, this fleece jacket is available in thirteen colors and up to a size 3X for $35 (usually $50).

Amazon Essentials Women’s Fleece Pullover Hoodie – $14

Perfect for lounging, working from home, or running errands, Amazon’s super cute pullover hoodie will be a steal at $14 (usually $25).

Goodthreads Women’s Cotton Half-Cardigan Stitch Crewneck Sweater – $25

From basic black to warm marled stripes, this sweater offers a style for everyone. Grab it for $25 (usually $40).

Under Armour Women’s Heat Gear Camo Inset Leggings – $37.50

Whether you’re taking a run or just walking the dog, cold weather will be no match for Under Armour’s HeatGear leggings. Get them for $37.50 (usually $50).

Levi’s Women’s 720 High Rise Super Skinny Jeans – $42

Always a classic, Levi’s high-rise jeans will be available in both standard and plus sizes in an eye-popping variety of colors and finishes for just $41.70 (usually $69.50).

Land’s End Women’s Supima Cotton Turtleneck – $22

Ultra-soft 100-percent Supima cotton makes this pullover turtleneck one of the comfiest pieces in your wardrobe, and it can be yours for just $22 this Black Friday (usually $30).

Adidas Women’s Essentials Fleece Tapered Cuff Pants – $23

Everybody needs a good pair of Adidas sweatpants, and these ones will go down to $23 during the sale (from $45).

Franco Sarto Women’s Bocca Slip-On Loafer – $35

Sleek 100-percent leather slip-on loafers from Franco Sarto will be reduced dramatically to just $35 from $99.

Men’s

State Cashmere Men’s Button Up Mock Neck Sweater – $140

Luxe cashmere makes an impressive gift, and this sweater features 12-gauge knit with the finest cashmere yarn from Inner Mongolia for $140 (down from $175).

Columbia Men’s Buck Butte Insulated Hooded Jacket – $69

Columbia’s Shadow ripstop nylon is paired with synthetic down insulation and an adjustable hood system for a water-repellent jacket that’ll keep you warm. This Black Friday deal will drop to $68.55 from $160.

Amazon Essentials Men’s Full-Zip Polar Fleece Jacket – $16

At just $16 (from $28), you’re going to want to stock up on multiple colors of the Amazon Essential’s full-zip polar fleece jacket.

Goodthreads Men’s Lightweight Merino Wool Quarter Zip Sweater – $28

Merino wool for just $28? Yes please. This quarter-zip layering piece is available in over a dozen colors, down from $40.

Tommy Hilfiger Men’s Adaptive Jeans – $50

Tommy Hilfiger’s Adaptive line makes clothes easy to put on for just about anyone, no matter your abilities. These slightly stretchy cotton jeans feature a velcro brand closure and magnetic fly for $50 (down from $79.50).

Under Armour Men’s ColdGear Leggings – $37.50

Dual-layer fabric with an ultra-warm brushed interior makes these leggings warm as can be, no matter what you’re doing outside this winter. Grab this deal for $37.50 (down from $55).

Adidas Men’s Essentials French Terry Tapered Cuff 3-Stripes Pants – $35

This version of Adidas’ classic 3-stripes pants is made with soft French terry. Get them for $35 (down from $50).

Adidas Men’s Lite Racer Adapt 4.0 Running Shoe – $48.74

So easy to pull on and off, Adidas’ Lite Racer Adapt running shoe features a Cloudfoam midsole for elevated cushioning. Grab them for $48.74 (down from $65).

Kids

Adidas Kids Unisex Running Shoe – $34

Available in toddler, little kid, and big kid sizes and a rainbow of colors, these running shoes from Adidas will go down to $34 (from $60).

Dadawen Boys and Girls Warm Winter Sequin Snow Boots – $13

How adorable are these sparkly bunny ear snow boots? Offered in sizes for both toddlers and little kids, they’ll go on sale for just $13 (down from $26).

Land’s End Kids Hooded Fleece Robe – $10

Weekend mornings were made for watching cartoons in a fuzzy robe like this one from Land’s End, which you should definitely snatch up for just $10 on Black Friday (down from $31.50).

Under Armour Boys’ Threadborne Match Jersey – $27

For sports or everyday wear, Under Armour’s jersey offers style, comfort, and sweat-wicking capabilities. Expect it to go down to $27 (from $35).

ZShow Boys’ Hooded Puffer Jacket – $48

Double zipper closure, a water-resistant outer layer, an inner fleece layer, and reflective strips make this puffer jacket a great choice for $48 (down from $61).

Columbia Girls’ Whirlibird Interchange Jacket – $98

Columbia’s breathable waterproof jacket with Omni-Heat reflective thermal warmth, featuring a zip-in interchange system, thermarator insulation, abrasion-resistant chin guard, and pockets for ski accessories comes in such stylish options you’ll wish they had the same one in adult sizes, too. Expect to see it drop to $98 (from $140).

Levi’s Girls’ Skinny Fit Jeans – $15

The same classic stylish fit that made Levi’s famous is available in girls’ sizes, too, and this pair will be just $15 on Black Friday (down from $27).

Nickelodeon Paw Patrol Pajama Set – $9

Paw Patrol Pajamas for everyone, just $9 on Black Friday (down from $18)! The listing may say they’re for boys, but girls will find a print they love among these options, too.

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The post Shop the Best of Amazon’s Black Friday Clothing Deals first appeared on Dornob.

Located in the trendy, architecturally stunning department store PARCO (itself located in Tokyo’s Shibuya district), the company tapped Toronto-based design firm UUfie to create a stunning design concept to showcase their fashion-forward brand.

UUfie is no stranger to exciting, eclectic, minimalist design. Their past projects have yielded connective, almost visceral architectural experiences made to be as awe-inspiring as they are thought-provoking. And the Marcomonde space is no exception. Eye-catching and unique, sparse and angular, its seeming contradictions are both intriguing and inspiring. Here, the minimalist elements are almost futuristic in their simplicity, with a stark palette of industrial grays and whites beautifully accentuating the retailer’s bright and colorful clothes and accessories The final result is a store that also feels like an immersive work of art – a place where the shopper is both a participant and an admirer.

But that’s not the only eye-catching element to this new space. In another section, artfully arranged freestanding stairs climb upward, drawing the eye and giving the room a strong sculptural vibe that is aesthetically sparse yet pleasing. Anyone familiar with the works of the Dutch artist M.C. Escher will appreciate the similarity between this design concept and the artist’s famed work “Relativity.” In that piece, Escher focused on creating a work that looked beyond the ordinary, explored hidden realities, and challenged physical laws like gravity. In the Marcomonde store, you can find all those concepts echoed and lovingly recreated through UUfie’s chosen design elements.

The similarities don’t stop there. As Escher’s print delves beneath the surface of things, so too do the stairs in the Marcomonde space. So much more than a place to display product, UUfie’s stairs are functional, not frivolous. Deceptively hollow, they’re also ideal for storage — keeping the space clutter-free and sparse to maximize the impact of the pieces on display.

The industrial look is not only present in the space’s color scheme, but also in its shelving choices. The combination of stainless steel frames and clear glass shelves creates an almost chrome-like appearance that mirrors the space’s aesthetic perfectly.

Even better, the retail space also fits beautifully with the overall look of PARCO’s design concept, making it the ideal location for the brand to integrate fashion, art, culture, food, technology, and entertainment all into an architectural retail marvel. The Shibuya PARCO’s clean lines, creative balance, and inventive design choices are all echoed in Marcomonde’s exciting new space.

No one understands the impact of design built upon both connection and abstraction better than UUfie. The small 215 square-foot retail space is minimalistic, stark, and artful, evoking the angular geometry of M.C. Escher, while the industrial color scheme and futuristic simplicity of the racks and shelves further emphasize the bright and beautiful merchandise. The overall effect is hypnotic, and one sure to keep shoppers coming back for a long time to come.

Marcomonde Shibuya images courtesy of Takumi Ota

The post UUfie Brings Surrealist Form and Minimalist Function to Marcomonde’s New Retail Space first appeared on Dornob.

Entitled NETINA, the outlandish collection includes three pairs of knit shoes: one with electrical charging ports, another with docks for dozens of matchsticks, and a third that can carry and display various sizes of tampons.

Goldberg, a Tel Aviv native, chose to highlight these commonly-shared objects to facilitate more social interaction. “The human body contains various opportunities for carrying objects that can be useful for ourselves and to those around us,” she says. “Our feet contain such benefits and also obtain the true characteristic of movement: movement as in being dynamic and active, but also movement that symbolizes the transfer and giving of an object to another.”

This shoe line provides a way to “give on-the-go” with “as little effort as possible,” the artist says on her website. She believes the “ability to give is a source of comfort and happiness,” and that NETINA “examines the world of cooperatives in an unconventional way that answers the sincere desire to give and receive as a way to create a beneficial and open society.”

“I started researching what people like to give and to receive while they are on the go,” Goldberg continues. For example, a light for a passerby’s cigarette is contained in the spiky white matchstick shoes. They “represent the element of fire – an element we have been transferring to one another since the beginning of time.”

Similarly, the red NETINA shoes are ringed with 12 candlestick-like holders for tampons. Instead of being tucked out of sight in a tote, Goldberg makes the feminine hygiene product visible in an “extroverted manner.”

The final pair in the collection features six USB charging ports, all of which can provide power to nearby individuals via a portable charger hidden in the shoe sole. The back of the blue slipper can be plugged into an outlet for battery recharging, and a bright orange charging cable can even be threaded around for convenient transport.

Every shoe in the collection has a barcode stamped onto the back that will link to a social app when scanned, facilitating even more community interaction.

Goldberg, a recent graduate in industrial design from Israel’s Shenkar College, says she paid close attention to “the matter of weight and size” when configuring the footwear to ensure functionality. She attributes her core design values to her upbringing in a collective Israeli kibbutz, with the emphasis on daily cooperation with others shaping her artistic process above all else. She also feels that “we develop an emotional relationship with our daily usage objects,” and that “I have a desire to put an added value on each object in addition to … extraordinary functionality; this added value is the path to the emotional relationship.”

Other storage items in her creative past include the Rua Bag, a leather satchel that can be attached to a bicycle bar for comfortable travel, and the Pulpy Piggy Bank, a coin container that offers a “satisfying sensory experience” when unraveled by its red string.

The post Offbeat Shoes Allow Wearers to Share Tampons, Power on the Go first appeared on Dornob.

Banana Slip

Want to slip into something fun and comfy? These playful slippers are great for lounging around home or completing a casual outfit centered on your favorite fruits. With a little imagination, you could even turn yourself into a dessert with some chocolate sauce, whipped cream, and a cherry on top.

Toe Jam

If you hate your toes — except for the big one — then these shoes are for you. Just jam your four other toes into a leather pouch, perfectly paint the nail on the king toe, and rock on.

For Nerds Only

This line of sneakers by Gabriel Dishaw incorporates actual computer components in their construction. These “Circuit Board Sneakers” are upcycled Nikes, and they make the perfect gift for the geek in your life who’s usually so hard to buy for.

Hoofing It

No need to share your farm fantasies: just put on a pair of these Tabi boots by Maison Margiela to make your feet look like cloven hooves. Just be prepared for a lot of “hoofing it” jokes if you dare to dance in them.

Sticky Feet

Nothing could make a host or club owner more squeamish than someone tracking gooey chewing gum all over the place, especially on rugs and carpeting. Not as uncomfortable as they look, these shoes might just be the best light-hearted investment you’ll ever make.

Licking It Up

A la the iconic Rolling Stones band logo, these erotic shoes just might turn you on as you slip them on your feet.

Ugging It Out

For an unattractive boot that oozes comfort, UGG has come a long way, with the company now manufacturing pillows and throws that embrace your body with soothing warmth and silkiness. Why not take that feeling all the way up your thighs and UGG it out all over town?

Deli Delight

People may know you’re a big sandwich fan, but nothing shows devotion to that satisfying cuisine like a pair of Sandwich Thongs/Flip Flops. Just don’t let any real food drop on your feet while you’re in them, or hungry dogs could ruin your picnic.

Better Than Barefoot

Driving people crazy is fun and these shoes, by graphic artist Jyo John Mulloor will make people do double and triple takes of your feet wherever you go. Just be sure to get a good pedicure before you wear this barefoot style, because they leave nothing to the imagination.

Toeing the Line

Tired of endless foot grooming? You can put those worries to bed with these shoes that have toes painted on the outside, complete with polish and jewelry. Just be forewarned that foot fetishists might follow you around wherever you go.

The post Sole Mates: Weird Shoes You Have to See to Believe first appeared on Dornob.

Are we headed straight toward living in a world that looks like a mashup of Minority Report, Terminator, and The Matrix, or will technology somehow save us from impending ecological collapse and usher us into a new labor-free socialist utopia? Who knows! But in the meantime, we have weird stuff like virtual fashion to distract us.

A company called Happy99 is on the cutting edge of a new trend: clothing and accessories that are fully unhindered by pesky things like manufacturing realities. Artists Nathalie Nguyen and Dominic Lopez first conceived of the brand when they wanted to create real, wearable shoes unlike anything anyone had ever seen before, but they quickly realized the technology to produce them didn’t actually exist. Just the molds for their futuristic shoes would have cost around $2,000 each.

“We didn’t want to let this stop us from designing shoes, so we decided to use 3D programs to actualize our ideas,” Nguyen told The Cut.

Both designers brought something to the table: Nguyen’s work in illustration and tech was a natural fit for virtual influencer design, while Lopez has a background in music production and creating video games. They posted just two concepts on Instagram before stylists for celebrities like Lady Gaga and Grimes started requesting samples, and soon enough, Happy99 had over 18,000 followers.

Their creations are arguably the coolest shoes on the internet (or ugliest, depending on your perspective), but for a long time, you still couldn’t actually wear them. Their physical existence was almost beside the point. To show them off as virtual designs, the duo needed models, but they were put off by the hyper-sexualization of most 3D models of women used by other creators of virtual fashion. Wanting to go in a different, more realistic direction with Happy99, Nguyen and Lopez photoshopped their shoe renderings onto images of their friends.

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People loved the designs so much, “they’re angry at us for not producing something that they can purchase,” Nguyen told Vice. Wary of the impacts of fast fashion and unbridled consumerism, she’s still looking into ways to manufacture small runs of the shoes, but for now, Happy99’s physical goods are limited to tote bags, hoodies, t-shirts, and plush dolls.

Salivating fans, take heart: the company did manage to create a real, handcrafted physical prototype, so more might be coming eventually. In the end, though, Happy99’s fashion is more about “narrative storytelling” than it is consumable products. It’ll be interesting to see whether this trend takes off on a larger scale, and how it morphs in the future, but in the meantime, you can catch these highly creative designs on Instagram or at Happy99.store, where the designers have put together a virtual Spring 2020 runway collection.

The post Happy99 Creates Futuristic Shoes You Can’t Actually Wear first appeared on Dornob.

Olivia Kim, Nordstrom’s VP of Creative Projects, has partnered with Nike to create the latest Nordstrom-Nike collaboration: No Cover. The collection is inspired by the streetwear and high energy of New York City during the 1990s. The companies explain that their collaboration “taps into the attitude of 90s underground NYC, where self-celebration means openly being yourself.”

Naturally, this means the collection features a lot of bold colors, fashion-forward silhouettes, and exciting styles. Since Nike is first and foremost a footwear company, we’ll start by talking sneakers. Kim has reimagined five of Nike’s most popular designs for the collection — Air Force 1, Air Max 98, Air Footscape, Air Mowabb, and Air Jordan IV — each one of them drastically different from the rest.

The Air Force 1 design features fresh colors and patterns. The sneaker itself is royal blue corduroy adorned with a yellow snakeskin swoosh. If that’s not electrifying enough for you, you’ll be happy to hear that it also boasts a glow-in-the-dark sole. Kim’s Air Max 98 goes a completely different route, offering a gradient of red, green, and yellow. Its details are inspired by the Air Max 120, originally released in 1998. In her redesign of the Air Footscape, Kim references the punk attitude of the East Village with an energetic zebra pattern and a touch of pink.

The Air Mowabb’s design plays on its original function: to transition from running to hiking. With a mix of colors, textures, and patterns, this sneaker dares to be worn any way anywhere. Lastly, the Jordan IV, inspired by an earlier version nicknamed “Black Cat,” keeps color and details simple but expresses creativity via its fashion-forward materials.

In addition to the redesigns of these classic sneakers, the collection also features 16 other pieces. There is truly an impressive variety here, with everything from wrist sweatbands to a puffer coat and fanny pack. In a clever act of self love, Kim’s also included a graphic tee decorated with one of her own sneaker designs, the Air Max 98. The clothing includes a mix of contrasting colors, including lime green, royal blue, stark black, and cherry red. And whether you’re looking to work out in an attention-grabbing sports bra or throw on a Betty Boop hat for lunch with a friend, you’re sure to find something here you like.

Nike News provides insight on the intention of Kim’s work, explaining: “she loves New York streetwear from the 90s, a time when a majority of the fashion-forward styles and fresh colors were made for men and she could never find anything in her size.” For that reason, the collaboration stresses inclusivity. Just take the name for example. “No Cover” serves as a reference to the fee to enter a nightclub. Unlike those nightclubs, Kim strips away the exclusivity, allowing people any age and gender to express themselves through their stlye and taste.

The post Nike Partners with Nordstrom To Create 90s-Inspired “No Cover” Collection first appeared on Dornob.

While some brands work to find ever more irritating ways to get through to their target audiences, others are growing savvy to the fact that if you want to reach people, entice them to buy your products, and build trust in your brand, you have to actually provide them with something useful.

Swiss running brand On demonstrates one way to do that with the “On Mountain Hut,” a beautiful reflective cabin set high up in the Alps on the Piz Lunghin. The project marks the launch of the brand’s latest collection, including its first hiking shoe, but it’s also designed to offer a little something special to runners and hikers in the area.

Swiss alpine huts are a centuries-old tradition, and while some can be rented and reserved ahead of time, others are first-come, first-serve and free to anyone who may come along.

The company explains: “For us, the mountains are a source of energy, ideas, and innovation. They have the power to invigorate and provide fresh perspective. In fact, the first ever On business plan was put together by our three co-founders while hiking in Engadin. You might say that if it wasn’t for these mountains, On wouldn’t exist. Literally, they are our source.”

“Since then, they have continued to play a pivotal role in our development; shaping our technology, our products, and our ethos. And why not? Overcoming mountains demands serious research, planning, perseverance, and commitment. You have to do things right; there are no shortcuts. We are proud to champion the same approach with our innovations.”

On’s designers say they wanted to “go back to the source” of their inspiration to celebrate the release of the Cloudrock waterproof hiking shoe. Their intention is to celebrate the beauty of the Engadin Valley while also offering a peaceful place to rest for everyone who passes by.

Inside the minimal mountain cabin, which is only accessible by foot, is a simple plywood-clad interior with built-in tables and seating, a wood stove and kettle for heating up simple meals, picture windows overlooking the incredible views, and even a lofted bed.

There’s room for two people to relax inside the self-sustainable cabin, which is powered by solar panels and features a rooftop rain collector that filters rainwater for use inside. You might expect to see references to the shoe and other products by On plastered all over every surface, but the brand keeps it simple and subtle with just a single logo on the exterior.

Minimalist and modular, the off-grid refuge is made almost entirely of local wood and designed to disassemble easily so it can be removed at a later date, giving it a light footprint on the land.

Whether adventurers set out to find the cabin or happen upon it by accident, chances are they’ll remember the hospitality it provides and associate that feeling with the brand well into the future.

The post Mirrored Off-Grid Mountain Hut Overlooks the Swiss Alps first appeared on Dornob.

Let’s face it, shoes are often much more about function than comfort. They typically aim to offer pressure-point support or fill the arch void, but the reality is that shoes are not a one-design-fits-all kind of arrangement. This is no surprise to shoe manufacturers constantly hitting up the R&D department for a more cushioned and comfy footbed or low-impact design. In fact, comfort or superior performance often equates to a low fashion grade. But Nike’s new Joyride technology might just tackle the need for support, comfort, and trendy design all at once.

The secret is microbeads. Where predecessors like Nike Air Soles and Adidas Boost shoes have previously added more cushion, Nike claims that their shock-absorbing beads add the highest possible level of comfort. That’s because previous designs added cushion to the heel or inside footbed, whereas the Joyride technology fills the entire sole of the shoe. The beads are then free to shift around, creating a custom fit for the foot of the wearer.

This innovation provides consistent support wherever the user needs it most. The regular shifting of beads gives extra cushion in the heel when running many miles, while the toe area gets the brunt of the support while climbing stairs. Users describe the experience as standing on unpoppable bubble wrap.

The goal is to incur less impact on the body while running, and therefore make running a more enjoyable and less painful experience. If you haven’t been a fan of running in the past, this might be the motivation you’ve been waiting for.

Will Moroski, the Senior Product Line Manager for Nike Running, says: “Every runner faces the same problem: stress from pounding the pavement. We knew we needed a completely new cushioning system.”

The design incorporates separate compartments under the foot so that the 8,000-10,000 beads in each sole don’t all congregate in one area at once. These compartments, or pods, hold the beads within a particular section of the shoe. Instead of the beads rolling to a new location as needed, pressure from the foot initiates a unique response in each pod. This response is to flatten or expand the beads, thereby filling the pod and providing new support. The pods also vary in size depending on which area of the foot they’re covering, including large pods for the heel to absorb impact and smaller pods for the forefoot.

The description of the Joyride technology might have you envisioning those puffy white beads that oozed out of your children’s stuffed animals or ended up dispersed around the house thanks to your dog’s chew toy. In reality, Nike design engineers evaluated 150 different materials before deciding on TPE (thermoplastic elastomers), a substance made from a combination of rubber and plastic that offered the expansion response qualities Nike was looking for.

The company will soon offer the new technology on a sneaker called the Nike Joyride Run Flyknit, but eventually they plan to make the Joyride sole an option for all the shoes in their catalogue. It will, however, only be available for the Nike brand for the time being. Nike members can score the new technology now, but the general public and the rest of the world will have their chance beginning August 15th.

The post Nike’s New Joyride Technology Makes Shoes More Comfortable first appeared on Dornob.

The sportswear brand teamed up with Netflix for the Nike x “Stranger Things” capsule collection, bringing the series’ signature retro look from the screen to stores in the form of sweatsuits, sneakers, and accessories.

The Hawkins High Pack, released on June 27, hypes school spirit with green and orange color schemes and the Hawkins tiger mascot on gear you would have worn in phys-ed class back in the ‘80s.

The OG Pack, released July 1, puts patriotism at the forefront with classic kicks in red, white, and blue with a year marker on the heel and a special firework display sock liner to celebrate Independence Day 1985.

Season three of the popular series returned on July 4th, with the holiday serving as a major plot point in the first episode. This time around, we find favorite characters like Eleven, Mike, Dustin, Lucas, Will, and Max on the cusp of high school, and there are just as many secret missions, subterranean bunkers, and supernatural monsters involved as ever before.

1985 was a banner year for Nike, too — hence the connection. The brand cites high-energy events like the previous year’s Olympic Games in Los Angeles and the rising profile of professional basketball, as well as the beginnings of its now-classic performance running offering, the Nike Air series. Nike notes that some of its most popular styles of the 80s include the Dunk, Air Force 1, and Nike Tech Challenge II.

“In the summer of 1985, several transport vehicles departed from Nike HQ in Beaverton, Oregon, carrying special product shipments headed to multiple locations across the US. Unfortunately, a few of the shipments never made it to their destination. These vehicles all had one thing in common…they were last seen on surveillance footage passing through Hawkins, Indiana. Nike, concerned and confused, never mentioned these missing shipments to anyone for fear that something supernatural was at play.”

“Thirty-four years later, signs of the missing shipments are popping up, piece by piece, and it’s clear that there is something deeper, darker, and more evil brewing. Fortunately, some of the missing shipments have been located. Their contents are what we now know as iconic Nike styles: the Cortez, Blazer, and Air Tailwind ‘79. Introduced alongside matching apparel, these classic Nike silhouettes arrive in classic color combos with Stranger Things logos. Each shoe comes complete with original-inspired Nike packaging and special edition pins.”

Prices on the Hawkins High Pack range from $65-$120, while the Blazer, Tailwind, and Cortez shoe models in the OG Pack are available for $120. Alas, if you slept on this drop and you still want to nab a piece or two, you’ll have to get on it fast. While many caps, sweatshirts, and other items are still available, others are already sold out. Nike has hinted that it might restock some styles, though, and stranger things have certainly happened!

The post Nike x Stranger Things Take Your Kicks Back to Summer 1985 first appeared on Dornob.