Welcome back to the weekly drop list! Here is our pick of new releases for the third week of May!
In a week bursting with impact, new releases are as fresh as they come. The weekly drop list includes new NASA heat technology in ASRV’s Outlast® Active Wear Range, a moving music video from the Ukraine Eurovision sensation, Kalush Orchestra, eco-technology with the release of a 50+ suntan oil from Pink Frog Cosmetics, and bling is back baby, with the second season of Netflix’s reality hit, Bling Empire. What’s catching your eye this week?
Fashion
Deep Space Sneakers: A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Aeon Active CX
Brand new cons! A-COLD-WALL* x Converse Aeon Active CX has landed on HBX in the “Black/Apple Green” colourway. A-COLD-WALL* founder, Samuel Ross is a futurist who pushes the boundaries of form, function and materials, and the result is a shoe appears to have crashed heel-first into Earth from outer space. The design feels more high-performance Nike (Converse’s mother brand), than something you would expect to see from Converse, speaking volumes about the successful fusion of this partnership. The collaboration is visual proof, that Converse, a company embedded in heritage, is moving towards the future.
A Future of Progress
Converse claims the model is “built for forward progress”, as reported by Hype Beast. It’s an easy-on, easy-off silhouette thanks to a stretch bootie construction and a unique heel kick, and its cushioning technology combines Converse’s advanced CX foam with Nike’s sustainable Crater Foam, constructed partly of scraps from factory floors. The top half is built from a mixture of perforated suede and leather, and special A-COLD-WALL* branding is scattered around the entire assemblage for a technical look.
The latest Aeon Active CX comes in alternating black panels comprising ripstop nylon, suede, and leather materials. Contrasting the body are the outline of the ankle cuff, a portion of the toe box, and the outsole in neon “Apple Green” colour. Further exaggerating the futuristic laceless booties are a protruding heel kick and the merged CX and a staggering sole made from ultra-cushy Crater foam. Sized down Converse and ACW branding decorating the canvas and on the pull tabs round out the design.
The sneaker has a high fashion quality to it, from the avant-garde silhouette to the slick leather and suede accents. The debut colorway (“Micro Chip and Healing Jade”) dropped on April 12, and a second (“Black and Apple Green”) will be released in May.
ASRV x NASA
Sweat less with this phenomenal new innovation in activewear! In their latest collection, ASRV have applied revolutionary NASA developed technology to the first-ever fitness apparel made with Outlast®.
Form-fitting Technology
Using a Matrix Infusion Coating, they printed a wafer-thin layer of micro-encapsulated wax onto the inside of a 4-way stretch fabric, which is then constructed into a range of form-fitting base layers. The more skin contact it has, the more effective this technology will be, so it is ideal for next-to-skin products. And as base layers, they are designed to be worn alone or as part of a layering system.
When applied to clothing, Outlast® calibrates heat generated from the core. This helps to maintain a balanced microclimate during intensive and dynamic performance. It is also proven to reduce sweat production by 48%. The ASRV x Outlast® collection is the first of its kind, as Outlast® is the only textile recognised as a Certified Space Technology™️, absorbing excess heat, then releasing it back to you as you cool down, creating an optimal comfort zone through a wide range of activities.
Theory Gives UNIQLO a Minimalist Makeover for SS22
UNIQLO is a frontrunner of fashion in the delivery of business casual staples. In its latest collaboration with Theory for the Spring/Summer 2022 season, the Japanese brand has taken on a Lagom sense of minimalism.
The Collection
BEAUTY
Pink Frog Cosmetics
Our first beauty item on the drop list is Italian Cosmetic brand, Pink Frog. “Smart Rolling Sun” is an innovative sun oil that claims to be the first eco-label compliant sunscreen. With the EU Ecolabel no longer limited to “rinse off cosmetic products”, new development opportunities arose within the cosmetic industry to provide more products in line with the expectations of consumers. The cosmetic brand, Smart Rolling Sun Oil SPF 50+ is an innovative sunscreen product for safe protection and responsible use, designed to be compliant to the UE Ecolabel* requirements for cosmetics.
Pink Frog Cosmetics describes their new product oil as, “Innovative – Suitable for all skin types.”
Beyond the formula, the product also benefits from refillable recycled plastic packaging allowing a 60% reduction in plastic consumption.
MUSIC
Kalush Orchestra – Stefania (Official Video Eurovision 2022)
This one’s a tear-jerker. The official Ukrainian contender for 2022 Eurovision, The Kalush Orchestra’s song, Stefania, was originally dedicated to the artist’s mother, but when war broke out it took on a whole new meaning.
Kalush Orchestra writes, “Although there is not a word about the war in the song, many people began to associate the song with mother Ukraine. Moreover, society began to call it the anthem of our war! But if Stefania is now the anthem of our war, I would like it to become the anthem of our victory.”
Powerful Messages
Garnering 7.5 million views in the 24 hours since its debut, the music video sends forth a message that powerfully tugs at your heartstrings. Featuring heartbreaking scenes of mothers dressed in combat gear, risking all to remove children from conflict scenes, the video was filmed in many cities near Kyiv that are currently suffering through the horrors of Russian occupation.
The song is dedicated to the Ukrainian people; the mothers protecting their children and to all those who gave their lives for freedom.
You can watch the full clip here:
FILM
Avatar: The Way of Water | Official Teaser Trailer
The long-awaited follow up to the original Avatar is finally within kicking distance. The official teaser trailer was released to Youtube on Monday night (following a theatre only release on the weekend), and mercy above, it seems to have surpassed expectations. In a stunning sequence of brilliant visual animation, the trailer showcases the native Na’vi inhabitants at play in their untouched world Pandora.
The Backdrop
Set more than a decade after the events of the first film, “Avatar: The Way of Water” begins to tell the story of the Sully family (Jake, Neytiri, and their kids), the trouble that follows them, the lengths they go to keep each other safe, the battles they fight to stay alive, and the tragedies they endure. Directed by James Cameron and produced by Cameron and Jon Landau, the film stars Zoe Saldana, Sam Worthington and Sigourney Weaver among others.
The teaser finished its first 24-hour online window with 148.6 million views, including 23 million from China alone, according to Disney and 20th Century.
Watch the Teaser Here:
TV
Atlanta Season 3
Yay, new “Atlanta”! The long-awaited Season 3 is finally out after a four-year hiatus. 2018’s Season 2 features smash hit episodes like “Teddy Perkins”, and massive cameos from The Migos, and other big-name stars. The FX series, “Atlanta” quickly a massive cult following.
However, simultaneously, creator, and lead actor, Donald Glover became an overnight sensation. He was a hot commodity in both the film world and for his Trap Artist persona, Childish Gambino. All of which leaves him with limited time for the popular series. As things calmed down in the artist’s personal life, the pandemic followed – delaying the production of the series for a further year. But after a lengthy hiatus, the long-awaited FX Series is back for the third season. And if, like us, you’ve patiently been waiting – fear not! You won’t be disappointed.
Season 3
The third season follows Alfred, a.k.a. the rapper Paper Boi (Brian Tyree Henry). It also stars his manager-cousin, Earn (Donald Glover) and their friends Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) and Van (Zazie Beetz) as they tour Europe. However, it’s not the tour he was beginning at the end of Season 2. This is back when he was an aspiring artist at a make-or-break moment in his career.
The series critiques inherent Black racism prevalent in daily American culture. This happens through the use of pop culture, surrealist wanderings and wry humour. It has a lot of ground to cover. The Black Lives Matter movement occurred during its hiatus, for example. “Atlanta, Season 3” continues to take its audience through several surreal and unexpected turns. All the whole, incorporating the show’s core values.
Available to stream on Hulu or SBS on Demand, check it the trailer here:
Bling Empire Season 2
Love the film or book series by Kevin Kwan, “Crazy, Rich Asians”? If so, then “Bling Empire” is definitely your thing.
The show centres around a group of ostentatiously rich Asian and Asian Americans who live in Los Angeles. It seamlessly flits between Beverley Hills Newport and Paris; as it follows Anna Shay, Christine Chiu, and their friends in their outrageous social interactions.
The new teaser is full of fast cars, couture fashion, and jaw-dropping party scenes that make the first season a hit with fans. Netflix’s second season continues with the drama, fashion, and opulent wealth of the first. Overall, this is light-hearted viewing at its finest.
Bling Empire is available to stream on Netflix. You can watch the trailer here:
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