Ekouaer Debuts Collection at New York Fashion Week

Ekouaer made a stunning debut at New York Fashion Week on 8 September, unveiling two exquisite collections that captivated the audience with their unique take on women's loungewear. Adding to the allure of the event, supermodel Helena Christensen graced the runway, bringing an extra layer of sophistication and star power to the show.

Held at the iconic Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York, the show set the stage for a presentation that was as calming as it was elegant—perfectly encapsulating Ekouaer's mission to create a utopia of freedom, relaxation, and health.

The first collection, designed by Ekouaer's in-house team, emphasized a "less is more" philosophy, showcasing the beauty of simplicity and the power of understated elegance. Every piece was thoughtfully crafted to offer an "oxygen space" in the world of clothing—a sanctuary where women could forget life's troubles, escape work pressures, and rejuvenate their tired bodies. The luxurious, soft fabrics were carefully chosen not just for their comfort, but for their ability to gently embrace the wearer's inner essence, reminding them of the tranquility that Ekouaer strives to infuse into every garment.

The overarching theme was a return to authenticity—a call to escape the chaos of the outside world and reconnect with oneself. This collection was not merely about aesthetics but also about fostering a lifestyle where simplicity and comfort reign supreme. Each design was a cherished addition to any wardrobe, offering a tangible connection to Ekouaer's core values of authenticity, comfort, and inner peace. It was a celebration of the comfort found in being true to oneself—a reflection of Ekouaer's dedication to guiding people back to a long-lost sense of authenticity and leisure.

The second collection was the result of a collaboration with Isabella Cortese, the co-founder of Nube Studio in Barcelona. An Italian designer with an impressive background, Cortese graduated from the prestigious IED Moda Milano and has built a career that includes notable roles such as apparel graphic designer at Moncler and head graphic designer at A Better Mistake. Her collaboration with Ekouaer brought a fresh perspective to the show, blending her rich imagination with the brand's commitment to timelessness.

Cortese's designs were deeply inspired by nature, with flowers serving as the central motif. The collection beautifully captured three distinct moments of blooming during the spring-summer journey: the early morning mist, the golden sunset, and the serene midnight. Each piece was not just a garment but an invitation to savor life's quieter moments—a core mission of Ekouaer.

Through delicate floral prints, Cortese expressed the passage of time and the evolving emotions that accompany it. The result was a range that felt both deeply personal and universally appealing, syncing the wearer's breath with the rhythm of nature and offering a moment of tranquility amid the busyness of daily life. These designs were more than just fashion statements; they were an embodiment of Ekouaer's vision of creating an oasis of calm and authenticity in a fast-paced world.

The models on the runway embodied this natural elegance, with floral elements seamlessly integrated into their looks. Their graceful postures and the subtle yet impactful designs highlighted the quiet strength and charm that the collection sought to evoke.

Whether at home or on the road, these pieces offered a connection to nature and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in simplicity—a true testament to Ekouaer's dedication to crafting an "oxygen space" in fashion.

Ekouaer's debut at New York Fashion Week was more than just a fashion show—it was a celebration of inner peace, authenticity, and the timeless allure of nature. With these two collections, the brand has successfully introduced a new kind of luxury that speaks to the soul and resonates deeply with those seeking comfort and style in their everyday lives.

This momentous occasion in Ekouaer's journey towards global recognition highlighted the brand's commitment to its mission: to inspire and connect with audiences worldwide by offering them a sanctuary of tranquility in the form of fashion.

Source Ekouaer

Step Into Comfort and Wellness: Hike Footwear's Top Models and New Accessories Line Elevate Foot Health and Improve Everyday Living

As more people turn to holistic wellness and the natural movement trend, Hike Footwear is thrilled to unveil its latest line of accessories. These additions are designed to enhance the performance, recovery, and comfort of all our barefoot models, including best-sellers like the Lorax Pro, Lorax Summer Pack, and HF Active. With these innovations, Hike Footwear is advancing its mission to provide footwear that aligns with foot health, sustainability, and everyday comfort.

 

Tapping into the Barefoot Revolution: A Growing Movement
The shift towards barefoot and minimalist footwear is more than a trend—it's a lifestyle choice. According to recent studies, consumers are increasingly opting for footwear that encourages natural foot movement, which leads to improved posture, reduced joint pain, and enhanced balance. Hike Footwear's newest offerings are crafted to meet these needs, delivering practical solutions for foot health that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life.

Explore Our Best-Selling Models & Accessories:

Lorax Pro, Lorax Summer Pack, and HF Active Shoes:

• Breathable Material: Keeps feet cool, reducing irritation.
• Natural Gait Support: Encourages a more aligned, pain-free walking style.
• Circulation Boost: Enhances blood flow, reduces fatigue.
• Spacious Toe Box: Promotes natural toe splay and flexibility.

New Accessories for Enhanced Support and Recovery:

• Hike Orthopedic Soles: Featuring advanced shock absorption for maximum comfort during everyday activities, from morning commutes to evening strolls. For those colder days, our Winter Orthopedic Soles offer the same support and comfort but with a plush, borg-like winter lining to keep your feet warm and cozy.
• Hike Foot Toe Separators: Promotes better toe alignment, reduces friction, and enhances comfort, especially for those with bunions or other foot concerns.
• HF Compression Socks: Provides targeted muscle support, moisture-wicking comfort, and improved recovery, perfect for active lifestyles.
• HF Footwear Massage Ball: A compact, on-the-go solution for easing tension and rejuvenating tired feet.

Discover More
Explore our best-selling models, including the Lorax Pro, Lorax Summer Pack, and HF Active, with prices ranging from $59.95 to $69.95, and our new accessories ranging from $19.95 to $39.95.

"Our Commitment to Healthy Freedom"
"At Hike Footwear, we are passionate about revolutionizing foot health through innovative designs," says O. Van Vilet, CEO of Hike Footwear. "Our models cater to a diverse range of age groups and health conditions, ensuring that everyone can experience the benefits of healthier feet while staying active and connected to nature," adds J. Pennarts, Co-CEO of Hike Footwear.

Hike Footwear's philosophy, Healthy Freedom, isn't just a tagline—it's the guiding principle behind every product. Our shoes are designed to liberate your feet from the confines of traditional footwear, encouraging natural movement that supports balance, posture, and overall wellness. We take pride in our shoe development excellence, driven by community insights and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what foot health can achieve.

About Hike Footwear: At Hike, we prioritize creating a healthier foot environment. Our footwear stimulates the natural alignment of your feet, preventing and reducing foot pain and deformities. Every four pairs of Hike Footwear barefoot shoes sold plants a tree through our partnership with WeForest, contributing to global reforestation efforts. When you choose Hike, you're making a lifelong commitment to the well-being of your feet and the planet! 

Source Hike Footwear

 

Scotch & Soda unveils Fall-Winter'24 Campaign and Capsule Collection with first global ambassador Joe Jonas

Scotch & Soda, the Amsterdam-based fashion brand, proudly unveils its highly anticipated Fall-Winter 2024 campaign and collaboration with international pop star, songwriter, actor  and brand ambassador Joe Jonas. The Fall 2024 campaign marks the start of a bold new era for Scotch & Soda, infusing an exciting energy, while elevating and expanding the core collections and best-selling silhouettes that have long represented the globally-recognized Scotch & Soda brand.

As ambassador for the brand, and part of the seasonal campaign, Jonas models both his exclusive capsule collection, as well as the mainline Scotch & Soda range. The exclusive collection, co-designed with Jonas, seamlessly blends Scotch & Soda's signature style with the artist's vibrant, playful fashion sense. Expect bold colors, striking prints, rich textures, and tailoring crafted from premium fabrics—a perfect fusion of creativity and craftsmanship, with Jonas deeply involved in every step of the process.

Originally founded in 1985, the Scotch & Soda brand is now managed by Bluestar Alliance, a New York-based brand management company. Scotch & Soda was founded upon its dedication to the free spirit of Amsterdam, offering original designs rooted in endless optimism, individuality and the power of self-expression. After acquiring Scotch & Soda just last year, Bluestar Alliance set to reinvigorate the long-adored brand, famously lauded for its unconventional, artistic view on fashion. With its first global ambassador and Fall-Winter 2024 brand campaign, Scotch & Soda continues its sartorial journey of discovery through energetic collections that champion creative freedom and inclusivity.

For Scotch & Soda, the partnership with Joe Jonas offered an opportunity to collaborate with one of the most dynamic artists of his generation. Joe Jonas, an adored singer, songwriter, actor and photographer, has also become well-known for his original and expressive sense of style, creatively pairing rich colors, denim, knitwear, tailored, vintage pieces and bold accessories that inspire curiosity and conversation. With a strong point of view and global trend-setting influence, Jonas was the perfect choice to represent the optimism of the Scotch & Soda brand.

As a complement to the core Fall-Winter 2024 collection, inspired by the theme "Free Your Mind," and the journey of the free spirit through the world's greatest cities, the design team delved into artistic motifs, architecture, landmarks, and the Beat Generation Writers.

Joe Jonas has crafted a capsule collection that invites fans around the globe to embark on a reflective and forward thinking journey with him. The Scotch & Soda x Joe Jonas capsule collection includes a mix of men's and unisex clothing and accessories that capture Joe's confident approach to style and his unique vision for the brand within its primary categories. With total creative control, Jonas curated every detail, from the capsule collection's range of styles, silhouettes, fabrications, prints, trims, to the campaign imagery he is featured in. Jonas approached the process similarly to how he creates music. With a journey that included a deepdive into his wider creative process, Jonas thought about the story he wanted to tell and utilized 'Cup of Joe,' his personal diary of photography, as the foundation for his creative vision, drawing inspiration from his vintage-inspired aesthetic to customized artwork that reflects his creative style and distinct artistic expression.

"Our aim with this collaboration was to create a dynamic capsule that felt elevated and authentic while keeping the core spirit of the brand intact, and I believe we achieved just that," says Eran Kaim, Chief Product Officer. "Joe's unique creative eye and distinct sense of style, married with the expert design in the core categories that Scotch & Soda is known for, which includes denim, knitwear and tee's, which has proven to be just the perfect combination and we're very honored to bring his vision to life."

Inspired by the American West, vintage Americana, the seventies and Joe's personal photography and writings, the capsule offers a dynamic wardrobe that feels personal, lived-in and built to last. Key pieces include tailored utility and workwear jackets, ringer tees with custom graphics, two piece sets, sport-inspired polos and on-trend accessories including trucker hats and versatile printed scarves.

"As a longtime fan of Scotch & Soda I am excited to share the collaboration we have created with the world. The creative freedom that I was given made this such a fun and rewarding experience, so I'm really looking forward to launching the collection," says Joe Jonas.

Offering a refined color palette of muted pastel blues, ecrus, charcoal greys, and pinks, seamlessly integrating with Scotch & Soda core offerings, the capsule collection is composed of versatile and wearable pieces that embody Joe's vision of crafting contemporary designs with a sartorial point of view, that resonate with the brand's identity and perfectly compliment the broader fall collection.

Joey Gabbay, CEO of Bluestar Alliance, the parent company that acquired Scotch & Soda last year, shared "Joe Jonas is one of the most dynamic, creative voices of his generation. The launch of this partnership is a fundamental component of Scotch & Soda's growth; and allows us to celebrate incredible artistic talent, while exposing new consumers to the brand in the U.S. and around the globe. We're honored to be in partnership with such a creative and well-regarded artist such as Joe."

The Scotch & Soda x Joe Jonas collection is now available globally at scotchandsoda.com, Scotch & Soda stores and select retailers. Price ranges include accessories $48-$68.00, tops and sweatshirts $58-178, bottoms $128-188 and jackets $268-788. Scotch & Soda is available at premium retailers and specialty boutiques worldwide.

ABOUT SCOTCH & SODA
Endlessly optimistic and inspired by the free spirit of Amsterdam, Scotch & Soda champions individuality, authenticity and the power of self-expression to create the unique. Fusing the expected with unexpected detail, Scotch & Soda is built upon a distinctive point of view, conversational pieces and a bold approach to style to redefine everyday dressing. We dare to mix classic and contemporary, color and print and texture on texture. Grounded in practicality, upbeat designs and finished with bespoke detail, Scotch & Soda collections are created for you to make them your own. Our mission is to bring joy and inspire our customers to celebrate life and our global community, together.

ABOUT BLUESTAR ALLIANCE:
Founded by Joseph Gabbay and Ralph Gindi in 2006, Bluestar Alliance owns, manages, and markets a portfolio of consumer brands that span across many tiers of distribution from luxury to mass market with a heavy emphasis on department store retail brands. Brands within the portfolio include Hurley, Scotch & Soda, bebe, Elie Tahari, Kensie, Justice, Catherine Malandrino, Nanette Lepore, English Laundry, Brookstone, Joan Vass and Limited Too.

ABOUT JOE JONAS:
Joe Jonas is an international pop icon, song-writer and actor. Joe is the front man of the multiplatinum group DNCE with Jack Lawless on drums and JinJoo on guitar. DNCE initially shook-up popular music and culture with the release of their RIAA quintuple-platinum certified single "Cake By The Ocean" back in 2016. The song permeated pop culture at large, becoming an unstoppable hit, crashing the Top 10 of the Billboard Hot 100, and emerging as "one of the most-played songs of the year at Top 40 radio." They also won "Best New Artist at the 2016 MTV Video Music Awards. To date, the band has tallied 5 billion global streams and 3.5 million global album equivalents. 2022 marked their momentous return as they teamed up with Kygo for the unshakable and undeniable anthem "Dancing Feet." With an inimitable and intoxicating hybrid of rock, pop, dance, and funk like no other, DNCE will make you move more than ever now. He is perhaps best known for the global pop-rock band The Jonas Brothers with his brothers Kevin and Nick Jonas. The Grammy-nominated band made an explosive return in 2019 with the surprise release of their critically acclaimed and widely successful single "Sucker" following a six-year hiatus and have garnered a bevy of awards and accolades. In 2023, Jonas Brothers once again proved they are a constant force, embarking on a new era with the release of The Album, via Republic Records. The Albumwas produced by Jon Bellion and features hit singles "Waffle House" and "Wings." In support of the new album and this new era for Jonas Brothers, they kicked off "The Tour" with two sold-out shows at New York's iconic Yankee Stadium last summer. "The Tour" includes stadium and arena dates around the globe through 2024, resulting in the band's biggest and most extensive tour to date. In July 2024, Joe released his latest single, "Work It Out," ahead of his eagerly awaited solo album, Music For People Who Believe In Love.

 

 

Controversial T-Shirt Sparks Delta Airlines Incident: My Take on Freedom of Expression and Airline Policies

Man kicked off Delta flight for wearing Donald Trump tee with ‘hawk tuah’ girl meme reference - NY Post

Imagine you're getting ready for a flight. You’ve packed your bags, checked in, and you're just looking forward to a smooth journey. Suddenly, you see someone being escorted off the plane. What's going on? Turns out, it's not a matter of security or safety, but a t-shirt. Yes, you read that right—a t-shirt. This is exactly what happened on a recent Delta Airlines flight at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, and it's sparked quite a bit of conversation. So, let’s dive into the details and explore the broader implications of this incident.

Personal Opinion: Navigating the Line Between Freedom of Expression and Respect for Others

The Incident: What Happened on the Delta Flight?

A passenger on a Delta Airlines flight was removed from the plane for wearing a t-shirt depicting former US President Donald Trump in a rather provocative manner. The shirt showed Trump in sunglasses colored with the American flag, flipping the bird with both hands, along with a reference to a viral, R-rated "hawk tuah" video. According to a report from the New York Post, the man was initially asked to turn his shirt inside out or leave the flight after someone complained about it. He complied and turned the shirt inside out, but later reversed it back to the original side after boarding.

Just before takeoff, a Delta employee boarded the plane and asked the man to leave, citing a violation of the airline's policies. The passenger, visibly frustrated, was quoted saying, “I’m getting kicked off because of my shirt,” as he walked down the aisle with his luggage. This incident has since fueled a lot of debate about freedom of expression and airline policies.

Donald Trump Tee with ‘Hawk Tuah’ Girl Meme T-Shirt

Understanding Delta's Policy

Delta Airlines, like many other airlines, has policies in place regarding passenger conduct and attire. According to Delta’s Contract of Carriage, the airline reserves the right to remove any passenger whose "conduct, attire, hygiene or odor creates an unreasonable risk of offense or annoyance to other passengers" or for the "comfort or safety of other passengers or Delta employees." Essentially, Delta has a lot of discretion when it comes to determining what is acceptable onboard.

In this case, it seems Delta made the decision to remove the passenger after he reverted his shirt back to the original side, despite initially complying with their request to turn it inside out. The key question is: was Delta right to do this?

Freedom of Expression vs. Airline Policies: Where’s the Balance?

There’s no doubt that freedom of expression is a fundamental right in many democratic societies. People have the right to wear what they want, and express their opinions, even if those opinions are controversial or offensive to some. But where do we draw the line, especially in a confined space like an airplane where people are stuck together for hours?

On one hand, the airline is within its rights to ensure a comfortable and safe environment for all passengers. This includes minimizing any potential for conflict or discomfort among passengers. On the other hand, the removal of a passenger over a t-shirt raises questions about consistency and fairness. Would the same action have been taken if the shirt depicted another political figure? Or if the complaint came from a different passenger?

My Take: A Need for Clearer Guidelines and Consistency

While I understand the need for airlines to maintain order and ensure the comfort of all passengers, this incident highlights the need for clearer guidelines and consistent enforcement of policies. What constitutes "offensive" can be highly subjective. A t-shirt that one person finds humorous or a statement of their political beliefs could be deeply offensive to another.

This is where airlines, including Delta, could benefit from having more transparent, specific guidelines on what is considered unacceptable attire. Clearer communication of these policies at the time of booking or check-in could also help prevent situations like this from escalating. After all, no one wants to be that passenger who gets escorted off a flight in front of everyone!

A Final Thought: Common Sense and Respect Go a Long Way

Ultimately, incidents like these remind us of the importance of common sense and respect in public spaces. We all share the responsibility to ensure a respectful and comfortable environment, whether it's on a plane, in a restaurant, or on the street. Wearing a t-shirt with a provocative image or statement might be within one's rights, but it’s also worth considering how that choice might affect others around us.

In the end, while freedom of expression is a vital right, it comes with the responsibility to respect others. And for airlines, the challenge will always be balancing these rights with the duty to provide a safe and pleasant journey for all passengers.

So, next time you’re packing for a flight, maybe think twice about that edgy t-shirt. It could save you a lot of trouble—and maybe even your seat on the plane!

Vans Celebrates New York's Skate Community with a Block Party in Brooklyn

Vans' core mission is to celebrate skateboarding's impact on culture and champion the skateboarding world's creatives who are "Always Pushing" progression. Part of that uplifting of the skate community includes throwing events globally — like a memorable music and skate installation at the Sacré Coeur during Paris Fashion Week and sponsorship of The Bunt Jam 2024, a raucous celebration of Toronto's skateboarding culture — and now Vans is set to touch down at Vans Skate Space 198 in Bushwick, Brooklyn for an all-day block party.

Occurring right in the middle of New York Fashion Week on September 7, the party is a celebration of the brand's long-standing support of NYC skate culture and an opportunity to bring together the individuals, brands, and shops in New York that, just like Vans, are "Always Pushing."

During the day, there will be an open skate session at Vans Skate Space 198's extensive concrete park and a prize-filled skate jam with a cash-for-tricks component and gift card giveaways from skate shops KCDC, Labor, and Tenant. For those newer to the world of skating, KCDC and Sk8Babes will also host free skate lessons. Sign up here for skate lessons.

Accompanying the skating will be a community-focused "Off the Wall" market from Vans family members like LQQK Studio, Quartersnacks, PunkandYo, Homerun, Star Team, EC Melodi, FTI, Nayfandwavey and more. Vans Skateboarding team members like Beatrice Domond, Ben Kadow, Dick Rizzo, Shiloh Catori, Rowan Zorilla, Zion Wright, Curren Caples, and Efron Danzig will be in attendance. Additionally, there will be DJs throughout the day, including LQQK Studios, Ben Kadow, and King Marie, as well as food and beverage vendors.

The good times don't end when the sun goes down either, as Vans will transform the space into a "skate rave" at night. After a Skate Session with the Vans Skateboarding team, the venue will turn the lights down and the bass up, featuring fresh ghettotech from Detroit's HiTech and New York's Jubilee.

About Vans

Vans®, a VF Corporation (NYSE: VFC) brand, is the leading skateboarding and original action sports footwear, apparel, and accessories brand. Vans® authentic collections are sold in more than 100 countries through a network of subsidiaries, distributors, and international offices. Vans® has more than 2,000 retail locations globally including owned, concession and partnership doors. The Vans® brand inspires and empowers everyone to live "Off The Wall" embodying the youthful spirit of freedom, non-conformity, and relentless drive to push culture across action sports, music, art and design.

Source Vans