Michael Jordan's first Air Jordans up for auction at Sotheby's

An autographed and well-worn pair of basketball legend Michael Jordan's Nike shoes hits the auction block at Sotheby's on Friday, in a celebrity-infused test of the market for sneakers as highly-prized collectibles.

The Air Jordan 1s, designed for Jordan in 1985 and the first ever signature sneakers, are expected to fetch between $100,000 to $150,000 in the online auction that closes on May 17, Sotheby's in New York said.

Sotheby's, better known for selling multimillion-dollar art, last year held its first auction dedicated entirely to sneakers. It set a new world record of $437,500 for a pair of 1972 Nike running shoes, known as the "Moon Shoe."

The white, black and red Air Jordan 1 sneakers up for auction on Friday have red laces, are signed by Jordan, and show frequent wear by the former Chicago Bulls player. Like most of Jordan's basketball shoes, they are a mismatched pair in a size 13 (left) and size 13.5 (right), Sotheby's said.

The shoes are being sold by collector Jordan Geller, founder of the sneaker museum Shoezeum, where they were previously on display in Las Vegas. They were the "crown jewel" of the museum, drawing fans and collectors from all over the world, according to Geller.

The auction coincides with the 35th anniversary of the Air Jordan brand and the screening of the last episode of the 10-part ESPN television documentary "The Last Dance" about the Chicago Bulls and Jordan.

"With all the excitement surrounding Michael Jordan and 'The Last Dance,' my wife and I decided that it's time to let the shoes find a new home," Geller said in a statement.

-reuters-

Super-high heels free women, says shoe king Louboutin

PARIS -- Super-high heels can free women, says legendary French shoe designer Christian Louboutin, who insists that wearing his towering six-inch stilettos is a "form of liberty."

While some feminists see vertiginous heels as sexual enslavement, Louboutin believes the opposite -- even if it means women have to walk slowly and carefully in his iconic red-soled creations.

"Women do not want to give up wearing high heels," the designer told AFP before "The Exhibitionist," a retrospective of his 30-year career, opened in a Paris museum last Wednesday.

While Louboutin also makes trainers and flat shoes, he admitted that when it comes to the spike-heeled classics that made his name: "I don't think about comfort when I design." 

"No shoe with a 12 cm (5 inch) heel is comfortable... but people do not come to me looking for a pair of slippers," said Louboutin, who helped bring high heels back into fashion in the 1990s and 2000s.

They are not meant to be worn all the time, but super high heels allow women to express themselves and break free of crushing norms, he said.

"To be a woman is also about enjoying one's freedom to be feminine if you want. Why renounce (high heels) when you can have them and flats," he said.

"I don't want people to look at my shoes and say: 'They look really comfortable!' The important thing is that people say: 'Wow, they're beautiful!'"

Even if they can only totter around in their Louboutins, that is no bad thing, he told AFP.

If the shoes "stop you running," that is something "positive," he added. 

Having learnt his art under Roger Vivier, the man who claimed to have invented the stiletto, Louboutin became a household name in the 1990s after Princess Caroline of Monaco fell for one of his first solo creations. 

Pop stars from Madonna to Tina Turner and Jennifer Lopez were soon competing with half of Hollywood for fittings. 

But even as some luxury brands like Dior, led by feminist designer Maria Grazia Chiuri, have taken an axe to towering heels, Louboutin insisted they still had their place.

"People project themselves and their stories into my shoes," he said, pointing to a particularly high pair of intricate lace boots called Corset d'Amour, embroidered with scenes of love-making.

Louboutin revealed his life-long fascination with heels was sparked when he was 10 years old and saw a sign banning the shoes at the Palais de la Porte Doree -- the museum now holding his retrospective.

"I started to draw them because of that sign," he said, which was put up to save the museum's parquet floors. 

"I think the fact that high heels were forbidden played on the unconscious... there was also the mystery and the fetishistic side... the simple drawing of a high-heeled shoe is often associated with sexuality," he added.

Louboutin also credited the sign with plunging him into "the universe of curves" which was to shape his art.

And he insisted that is art was not just about making heels higher and higher.

He has also been working on making his shoes disappear into the wearer's leg in a series which he calls Les Nudes -- in a variety of skin colours -- as well as designs which lengthen the leg. 

Other highlights of the often cheeky show, which runs until July 28, include a hologram of a shoe that turns into the burlesque star Dita Von Teese as well a series of Louboutin-sporting nudes shot by the American film director David Lynch.

Louboutin rejoices in the fact that his shoes have now become so iconic that his name has become a shorthand for luxury and sexiness, popping up in rap songs, films and books.

"Pop culture is neither controlled or controllable, so I am very happy about that," he added. 

Agence France-Presse

Nike earnings jump as strong pricing offsets tariff hit

NEW YORK -- Nike reported a jump in quarterly earnings on Thursday as strong pricing and increased direct sales helped offset a hit from US trade tariffs.

The sports apparel giant notched a 31.6 percent increase in fiscal second-quarter profits to $1.1 billion.

Revenues surged 10.2 percent to $10.3 billion behind double-digit increases in Greater China and other regions outside its home market. North American sales rose about five percent.

Gross profit margins rose due to higher pricing in the Converse brand and in direct sales to customers following heavy investment in smartphone applications and other technologies.

Those gains were offset somewhat by higher costs following US tariffs on Chinese imports on some footwear and apparel that took effect during the quarter.

President Donald Trump last week called off an additional round of tariffs on Chinese goods that had threatened additional Nike products.

Chief Financial Officer Andy Campion said the results reflected the success of "strategic and targeted investment in our digital transformation."

The sports giant announced in October that Mark Parker would step down as chief executive in January and be replaced by former eBay chief executive John Donahoe. Parker will stay on as executive chairman.

Shares of Nike slipped 0.6 percent in after-hours trading to $100.53.

Agence France-Presse

Adidas has eyes on 2019 finish line after Q3 profit slip

FRANKFURT -- German sportswear maker Adidas said Wednesday it was confident of hitting full-year financial targets after a profit slip in the third quarter, buoyed by fast-rising sales.

In July-September, Adidas' bottom line fell back 1.8 percent year-on-year, to 646 million euros ($715 million), slightly beating forecasts from analysts surveyed by Factset.

But revenues surged 9.1 percent to 6.4 billion euros.

Double-digit growth in China and North America was Adidas' biggest sales driver, while Europe inched up more tentatively.

Its flagship brand with the three stripes sold 6 percent more even in a year without mammoth sporting events, while struggling US subsidiary Reebok also lifted sales slightly.

Meanwhile growth in online sales slowed to 14 percent in the third quarter, compared with 76 percent a year before.

Despite the growth, operating, or underlying profit at Adidas also fell back, shedding 0.3 percent to reach 897 million euros.

The operating result was weighed down by advertising costs as the company looks to rev up sales in the second half of the year.

"We confirm our full-year outlook and remain confident about a significant top-line acceleration during the fourth quarter," chief executive Kasper Rorsted said in a statement.

The Bavarian group expects to make net profits between 1.88 and 1.95 billion euros this year, up between 10 and 14 percent on 2018's result.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

$160,000 Nike shoes star in first-of-its kind Sotheby's auction

NEW YORK -- Move over Monet. Nike is hot on your heels.

Sotheby's in New York announced on Thursday its first-ever auction dedicated to sneakers, underlining their fast-growing status as collectibles able to command tens of thousands of dollars.

Sotheby's is teaming up with streetwear marketplace Stadium Goods to auction 100 pairs of the rarest sneakers ever produced, including a sample of one of the first Nike Inc running shoes with a pre-sale high estimate of $160,000 (P8.2 million).

The Nike "Moon Shoe" is one of only 12 pairs created. It was designed by Nike co-founder and track coach Bill Bowerman for runners at the 1972 Olympics trials and the pair up for auction is handmade, Stadium Goods said.

Other sneakers include 2011 and 2016 versions of the "Back to the Future Part II" limited-edition shoes by Nike that were inspired by the 1989 film starring Michael J. Fox.

The 2016 version of the futuristic shoe, complete with self-lacing technology, is expected to sell for between $50,000 and $70,000.

"We’ve long talked about how sneakers are this generation’s luxury fashion, and being able to collaborate with a brand with the history and esteem of Sotheby’s is further proof of that," John McPheters, co-founder of New York-based Stadium Goods, said in a statement.

Other shoes in the online sale, beginning on Thursday and ending on July 23, include sought-after and limited-edition sneakers produced by Adidas, Air Jordan and rapper Kanye West's Yeezy collection.

Noah Wunsch, global head of eCommerce at Sotheby's, said the sneaker sale was bringing together "art, culture and fashion" and marked another step in the auction house's expansion of offerings of highly coveted luxury goods.

The shoes are on public exhibit at Sotheby's in New York through July 23.

The highest price fetched at public auction for sneakers is thought to be $190,373 in 2017 for a pair of signed Converse shoes said to have been worn by Michael Jordan in the 1984 Olympic basketball final. The shoes were auctioned through California sports memorabilia company SCP.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Adidas, Nike, PUMA say new tariffs on China would be 'catastrophic'

WASHINGTON -- Adidas, Nike and PUMA on Tuesday urged US President Donald Trump to prevent the shoe industry from falling victim to the trade war with China, saying new tariffs could be "catastrophic."

In a letter to Trump, those big name manufacturers joined forces with more than 170 other American shoe manufacturers and retailers calling for footwear to be exempted from a new round of punitive tariffs on $300 billion in Chinese goods.

In the escalating trade war with Beijing, Trump this month increased existing tariffs on $200 billion in Chinese imports to 25 percent, and is threatening to extend those duties to nearly all Chinese products imported into the United States.

That would mean additional taxes on a range of consumer goods, including electronics and clothing, such as athletic shoes and iPhones, which has sparked fear in retailers and producers who rely on goods from China.

"The proposed additional tariff of 25 percent on footwear would be catastrophic for our consumers, our companies, and the American economy as a whole," the letter from the shoe coalition states. 

The firms said the industry already pays $3 billion in duties and that additional tariffs would increase costs and prices.

US CONSUMERS PAY THE PRICE

"There should be no misunderstanding that US consumers pay for tariffs on products that are imported," the companies said, refuting Trump's frequent erroneous statement that China pays the tariffs, creating a windfall for the US Treasury.

While Trump has called on industries to move away from China or produce their products in the United States, the shoe industry firms said they need "years of planning... to make sourcing decisions and companies cannot simply move factories to adjust to these changes."

The shoe industry -- including other names like Reebok, Ariat and Crocs, as well as retailers like Foot Locker -- is the latest to wade into the debate. 

While many companies and industries want to see changes in China's policies, including resolving the issue of theft of US technology, they oppose using tariffs as the primary weapon.

In a letter just after the new tariffs were announced, a group of 17 industry groups urged Trump to reconsider, given their reliance on China for goods.

"In 2017, China accounted for about 41 percent of all apparel, 72 percent of all footwear, and 84 percent of all travel goods imported into the United States," the letter said.

The US Trade Representative's office published a list of products that would be targeted by new tariffs, and has called for public comment, including a hearing set for June 17.

In prior rounds of tariffs, the White House granted exemptions for some critical products at the request of US industries.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Nike stumbles into social media storm after basketball star's shoe splits

NEW YORK - A Nike Inc sneaker worn by a college basketball superstar split in half less than a minute into a highly anticipated game between Duke University and North Carolina, prompting an outcry on social media as the company sought to figure out what caused the malfunction.

Zion Williamson, a 6-foot-7-inch freshman forward for the Duke Blue Devils who is anticipated to be the top 2019 NBA Draft pick, suffered a mild sprain to his right knee because of the incident, according to his coach Mike Krzyzewski.

A closeup video replay showed Williamson slipping and crumpling to the ground, clutching his knee in pain. His left shoe is seen split in half, with part of the sole ripped off the base of the sneaker.

Williamson did not return to play in the match-up, which ended with No. 1-ranked Duke losing 72-88 to the No. 8-ranked Tar Heels team.

"We are obviously concerned and want to wish Zion a speedy recovery," Nike said in a statement.

"The quality and performance of our products are of utmost importance. While this is an isolated occurrence, we are working to identify the issue."

Shares of the sportswear maker were down more than 1 percent in afternoon trading Thursday, a day after the incident, wiping off some $1.46 billion from Nike's market capitalization since Wednesday's close.

Oppenheimer analyst Brian Nagel said in a note he was optimistic "any lasting damage to the company and its shares will prove minimal."

Williamson was wearing the Nike PG 2.5 basketball shoe when he was injured, Nike confirmed to Reuters in an email.

The line of sneakers, launched in summer of 2018, sells for $95-$105 on Nike's website.

The shoe received mixed reviews and a rating of 4 out of 5 stars on Nike.com as of Thursday.

Nike is Duke's exclusive supplier of uniforms, shoes and apparel under a 12-year contract that was extended in 2015 and has had an exclusive deal with the private university since 1992, ESPN reported.

The company's latest results showed signs of a rebound as it speeds up new product launches and expands partnerships with online retailers. The Beaverton, Oregon-based company has forecast sales growth for 2019 approaching low double digits.

Williamson, who averaged 21.6 points a game, has been tipped as the "next Lebron James" and is expected to be selected first in the NBA Draft this June.

Krzyzewski said it was unclear how long Williamson would be out because of the injury.

Former President Barack Obama, director Spike Lee and star NFL running back Todd Gurley attended the game at Cameron Indoor Stadium, the home court of the Blue Devils.

A video from the match posted on Twitter showed Obama sitting courtside, expressing shock and mouthing the words, "his shoe broke!"

The incident lit up social media, with celebrities and some of basketball's biggest stars expressing shock and dismay.

"Hope young fella is ok!" tweeted LeBron James (@KingJames) on Wednesday. "Literally blew thru his," he added, using a shoe emoji.

"Again let's remember all the money that went into this game.... and these players get none of it," Donovan Mitchell (@spidadmitchell), a former first-round NBA draft pick and current guard for the Utah Jazz, tweeted on Wednesday. "And now Zion gets hurt... something has to change."

This is not the first time Nike has faced controversy over the craftsmanship of its sportswear. In 2017, the company faced a backlash when several NBA jerseys worn by basketball stars, including James, ripped apart.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Nike unveils next-generation self-lacing basketball shoes

NEW YORK - In the 1980s, the "Back to the Future" film franchise suggested we would all eventually wear self-lacing sneakers.

Then a few years ago, Nike made the movie magic a reality, introducing its first shoe to the public with so-called "power lacing."

And on Tuesday, the global sportswear giant took it a step farther -- now your shoes will automatically loosen or tighten when you step into them, and then adapt based on your activity.

Wait for it -- the Nike Adapt BB shoes, which go on sale on Feb. 17 for $350 in the United States, are controlled by the touch of a button or a smartphone app.

"We picked basketball as the first sport for Nike Adapt intentionally because of the demands that athletes put on their shoes," Eric Avar, Nike VP creative director of innovation, said in a statement.

Using a custom motor and gear train, "Adapt" technology enables the shoe to be automatically adjusted to the foot. 

The app allows the player to load in different fit preferences -- for example, game play versus a timeout.

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum is the first pitchman for the new shoe.

"That the app allows the ability to put the shoe on and touch the button, change the colors, see the percentage on the battery...it's just cool," Tatum said in a statement.

Nike says it plans to bring the system to shoes for other sports.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Nike touts digital strategy as profits rise

NEW YORK -- Nike shares surged Thursday as the company reported higher earnings, announced a new share buyback program and talked up its ambitious digital investment program that emphasizes direct selling to consumers.

Nike reported earnings of $1.1 billion in its fiscal fourth quarter, up 12.8 percent from the year-ago period.

Revenues also rose 12.8 percent to $9.8 billion. The company bested analyst expectations in both earnings per share and revenues.

China was the company's strongest region in terms of revenue gains, where sales jumped 35 percent. 

Sales in North America rose by a more modest three percent, but that was still an improvement after the decline in the prior quarter. Chief executive Mark Parker said North America has "sustainable" momentum heading into its fiscal 2019.

Revenues in Nike's home region have been pressured by store liquidations and retailer turmoil that had led to a glut of apparel and shoes on the market. 

But retail analysts say market conditions have improved of late.

Nike has also bolstered its direct selling initiatives, while spending more on sports marketing and product launches.

Executives expressed confidence in the digital strategy, with some new marketing campaigns generating hundreds of millions of social media impressions and the company seeing strong growth of its Nike Plus application. 

Nike is learning to calibrate output of goods and categories based on consumer interest, what executives called "demand sensing." 

Parker said a partnership with Amazon was "progressing well," although the venture is at an earlier stage compared with collaborations some other platforms, such as the Chinese website Tmall.

"We remain focused on elevating consumer experience on the platform," Parker said of the Amazon venture. "We're learning a lot."

The company also announced a new $15 billion share repurchase program in the wake of US tax reform in December that has resulted in a much lower tax rate.

Shares of Dow member Nike surged 9.2 percent to $78.30 in after-hours trading.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Michael Kors to buy luxury shoemaker Jimmy Choo for $1.2 billion

LONDON- US retailer Michael Kors has agreed to buy luxury shoemaker Jimmy Choo for $1.2 billion, snapping up a British brand launched in the east end of London and made famous by celebrity fans including Princess Diana.

Founded in the 1990s by bespoke shoemaker Jimmy Choo, the brand is known for its stiletto heels and accessories and sells in cities from London to Paris, New York and Tokyo.

It put itself up for sale in April after its majority owner JAB signalled its intention to focus on consumer goods. At 230 pence in cash per share, the group is receiving a premium of 36.5 percent to its share price before the sale process was announced.

Michael Kors, once the hottest name in affordable luxury with a hugely popular handbag range, has been struggling in recent quarters with declining same-store sales as fewer people visit its shops.

In response, it has expanded into dresses and menswear, and invested in its online business. It said Jimmy Choo would continue to operate as it does today, under its existing management team.

"Jimmy Choo is an iconic premier luxury brand that offers distinctive footwear, handbags and other accessories," said Michael Kors, honorary chairman and chief creative officer.

"We admire the glamorous style and trend-setting nature of Jimmy Choo designs."

Jimmy Choo floated on the London Stock Exchange at 140 pence in 2014. It closed on Monday at 195 pence.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

Jordan Olympic shoes sell for record $190,373

A pair of game-worn Michael Jordan sneakers sold at auction for $190,373 on Sunday, setting a record for game-used shoes.

The Converse shoes were said to be used by the NBA legend in the gold medal game against Spain in the 1984 Olympics, according to ESPN.


"The record-shattering price proves that Michael Jordan has no equal in the marketplace for game-used basketball memorabilia," said Dan Imler, vice president of SCP Auctions, which sold the shoes.

Jordan's shoes from the 1984 Olympics -- the game was played at The Forum in Inglewood, a suburb of Los Angeles -- are autographed and include his orthotic inserts. They are considered the last pair Jordan wore in a game as an amateur and also the last time he wore Converse in an official game.

Jordan scored 20 points in the 96-65 win over Spain on Aug. 10, 1984. He was drafted by the Chicago Bulls three weeks before he played his first game for the United States in the 1984 Games and signed his deal with the Bulls in September, followed by a Nike deal in October 1984.

According to ESPN, the previous record for a pair of game-used sneakers sold at auction was for the ones Jordan wore in Game Five of the 1997 NBA Finals, also known as the "Flu Game." Those sneakers sold for $104,765 in 2013.

That game was played 20 years ago Sunday, with Jordan battling through flu-like symptoms to score 38 points in the Bulls' win over the Jazz.

(Editing by Gene Cherry)

source: news.abs-cbn.com

China consumer show skewers Nike shoes, Muji foods

SHANGHAI - China's annual consumer rights day TV show turned its spotlight on US sports brand Nike Inc for misleading advertising and Japanese brand Muji for selling food products allegedly sourced from part of Japan affected by radiation.

The state-run China Central Television (CCTV) show - which can have brands and their corporate PR teams scurrying to take evasive action - said Nike had misled consumers over high-tech air cushions in some of its "Hyperdunk" basketball shoes.

Similar to CBS network's "60 Minutes" in the United States, the CCTV show - known as "315" in reference to global consumer rights day on March 15 - has previously named and shamed firms from Apple Inc to Volkswagen AG.

The two-hour show - a mix of undercover reports and song-and-dance - also highlighted Japanese brands including Muji, owned by Ryohin Keikaku Co, which it said sold food products in China from an area of Tokyo where high levels of radiation were detected in 2015.

Nike said in a statement it had sold 300 pairs of Hyperdunk shoes in China last year with "an inaccurate product description stating that the shoe contained airbags". The firm added it had apologized to consumers and offered compensation.

"We will fully cooperate with the government regulators regarding their inquiries," the company said. The Greater China region accounts for over 10 percent of Nike's global sales.

Muji declined to give immediate comment.

The show also took aim at fake eye doctors for scamming patients, animal breeders for over-using medicines to make animals grow faster, and China's Wikipedia-like Baike.com.

The 315 show can hit a firm's reputation if singled out for bad corporate behavior. Apple was forced into a rare apology in 2013 after criticism on the show of its China after-sales service.

"Pretty much all the big corporations have their PR machines ready to jump into action because they've seen what happens when companies are not prepared," said James Feldkamp, Shanghai-based CEO of independent China consumer watchdog Mingjian.

While the annual program has lost some of its bite in recent years, Wednesday's version was harder hitting than last year's, which criticized local food delivery apps, fake online sales and dodgy false teeth, but didn't take aim at any major international firms.

However, many in China steered clear of the show altogether, while online chatter was more muted than in previous years. Viewers who tuned in said they were underwhelmed by the show's corporate exposés and any impact would likely be short-lived.

"This year's show was a laughing stock, there weren't any really big cases in there," posted one user on Sina Weibo using the name Master Tan Xi. "Why do they bother still holding it?"

source: news.abs-cbn.com

LOOK: Emma Watson wears Pinoy-made shoes

MANILA – Actress Emma Watson, star of the upcoming movie “Beauty and the Beast,” was spotted wearing shoes by a Filipino designer.

Bianca Moran took to Instagram to express her happiness after seeing Watson wear her Hey Simone mid-heel sandals at the Museum of Modern Art Film Benefit held last week.

“Someone pinch me,” Moran wrote.

The Hey Simone shoes from Moran’s Susi Studio is named after French philosopher and feminist Simone de Beauvoir. Susi Studio markets itself as a shop that offers “sustainable footwear.”

Watson, who rose to fame because of the “Harry Potter” film series, is also a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador.

source: news.abs-cbn.com

WATCH: Kiefer receives shoes, personal note from LeBron

MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena received yet more inspiration to pursue his basketball dreams after receiving a personal gift from Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.

On his Instagram, "The Phenom" posted a video of himself receiving a gift from "The King."

Ravena got a pair of Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 10s, along with a signed message from James.

"You want to become the first Filipino player to make it to the NBA," Ravena read. "Don't let the dream go."

In his caption, Ravena also posted portions of James' message: "Be the strong, determined, resilient person you have always been. Destroy the doubts that the world continues to throw at you. Conquer the world."

Ravena, who concluded his UAAP career last year, has spent the past few months training in the United States.

He was invited for a tryout with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, and is still waiting for a callback.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

The story behind President Duterte's Marikina-made shoes

MANILA – Did you know that the shoes President Rodrigo Duterte wore during his meeting with United States Secretary of State John Kerry last Wednesday was a gift from a 68-year-old shoemaker from Marikina?

According to a report from Philstar.com, the brown brogue-style boots were made by Rolando de Guzman Santos.

His daughter Rosemarie sent the shoes to Chardin, which designs barongs for the President, hoping that these will be worn during the inauguration.

“She was telling kung pwede ba raw ipadala niya ‘yung mga gawa na sapatos ng tatay niya for President Duterte,” Boni Adaza of Chardin told Philstar.com.

In a Facebook post last June, Rosemarie said she would do everything so her father could achieve his dream – that a president will wear the shoes he made.

President Duterte was not able to wear Santos’ shoes during the inauguration and even his first State of the Nation Address, with Chardin designers noting that it doesn’t match his outfit.

Early this week, however, Santos’ dream came true. In a video courtesy of PTV-4, President Duterte was seen praising his custom-made shoes from Marikina to members of his Cabinet.

“Ang Filipino-made, sa craftsmanship number one,” he said.

Marikina is known as the country’s shoe capital.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Fil-Am makes waves with 'art on sneakers'

CALIFORNIA - A Filipino-American artist is taking the shoe game by storm with his so-called "customs," or customized classic shoes.

Ericko James Ferrer, or EJ, is one of the biggest players in the shoe game. An artist, he specializes in "customs," where he takes classic shoes and turns them into art.

"It's truly been a blessing to not only have the positive feedback from fans, consumers, collectors, what not, but it's also been fun and amazing and humbling to get love from corporate, you know, various other companies," he said.

The 25-year-old opened his own studio gallery this year, a Mecca for sneaker enthusiasts.

The former La Salle College basketball player ventured into this art form as a teenager. His inspiration: professional basketball players and their one-of-a-kind sneakers.

"I always wanted to get my number on the side of a shoe but you couldn't be able to go to Footlocker for it so what I did was I started painting on the side, I put my name on there, or I just put my number and a lot of my friends were like, 'Where did you get those shoes?' So I just started doing their stuff and it really progressed," Ferrer said.

Often called upon by top college basketball players for customs, he has also done work with some of the major companies, including Oregon-based Nike.

"The culture in itself is just so big now, you travel all over the country especially New York, Florida, Texas is huge now. Of course LA, San Francisco, Jersey all throughout even parts of international London and Australia it so big, Philippines of course with all the big name companies there now, doing it big on the marketing side, it's really been a big push," he said.

But not all his sneakers are wearable. Ferrer customized a pair of 10-pound sneakers inspired by the monuments of Washington, D.C.

Since he opened his Lakewood shop, Ferrer continues to make a signature for himself. His latest project, a signature hat line, erickojames.

"It's definitely been a blessing to be successful in my field. It's been a crazy transition on to finally realize, and hey, I'm just gonna say, I'm just gonna put all my eggs in a basket and pursue my art career."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe Bryant's Jordan collection sold for over P11M

The auction for Kobe Bryant's entire Jordan collection ended today and it fetched an insane amount of money.

The collection sold for $240,100 or just a little short of 11.3 million pesos. Wow.

Over the weekend, Michael Jordan gave Kobe Bryant a complete set of the Air Jordan collection from I-XXX in both black and white.

A second black set, with the Jordan 3 and Jordan 8 in Lakers colors (Kobe wore the 3 and 8 in 2003), in Kobe's size 14 were then auctioned off for the benefit of the Kobe & Vanessa Bryant Family Foundation.

After 24 hours and 37 bidders, a total $240,100 has been raised from the opening bid of $100,000.
Check the full set here.

This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com 

Kevin Durant grants cancer survivor's wish, gives the young fan size 18 shoes

So Kevin Durant likes this whole "KD is not nice" campaign.

But that is on the court, off of it, Durantula is a pretty nice dude.

You want proof? How about KD granting the wish of a 5-year old cancer survivor and giving him his Christmas shoes as an added bonus?

Young Keaton Barron completed his final round of chemotherapy to beat leukemia late last year so naturally, his parents treated him to a Thunder home game.

At the arena, Barron had a sign that read "Beat Cancer" --- Check. "Plan trip to Disney" --- Check. "Meet KD."

From last night. Kevin Durant provides inspiration and an unforgettable moment for one little boy with cancer. pic.twitter.com/zuvmBbOEyY

— OKC THUNDER (@okcthunder) January 5, 2016

Durant was sitting out the game against the Sacramento Kings but the former MVP made sure the young kid had a check in the last box of his new year goals.

Also, ESPN's David Purdum reports that Durant gave Barron his size 18 shoes he wore when the Thunder hosted the Bulls last Christmas.

The young kid says he wants to wear them when he grows up.

Live on young, Keaton.

This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kobe hides 20 signed shoes all over the world

Kobe Bryant just revealed his last signature shoe as an active player and to celebrate his 20 amazing years in the game, the Black Mamba is hiding 20 autographed shoes all over the world.

With the official unveiling of the Nike Kobe 11, Bryant added that 20 authographed pairs will be scattered in secret place all over the world while clues will be put up on social media.

"There will be questions that pose as clues. Some of the questions will be kind of standard stuff – growing up questions and stuff like that. Others will be centered around innovation. It's important for them to really understand the product," Kobe said.

The global scavenger hunt will take place a week from now on December 22. Let the Kobe games begin.

This story was originally published on the ABS-CBN Sports website

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Adidas takes new shot at US market with NBA Harden deal

FRANKFURT, Germany -- NBA star James Harden will soon be dribbling the ball with Adidas sneakers on his feet as the German sportswear maker hopes to retake US market share from basketball giant Nike and number two Under Armour.

Signing up the Houston Rockets guard in a reported 13-year, $200 million (180 million euro) deal aims to make Adidas trendy in a market where it has been caught flat-footed before.

Charismatic Harden, 25, known as "The Beard" to his fans and voted the NBA's second best player last season, will switch from Nike to wear Adidas shoes on the court, and its gear in social settings, from October.

Adidas has stayed quiet about the sum reported by ESPN, but confirms it is taking a big bet on basketball.

"His connection with the fans is unique and unprecedented," an Adidas spokesman told AFP, noting that the salary will be linked to athletic performance. "He can take the game and our brand to new heights."

In a market where teenagers love custom sneakers, Adidas is taking on number one Nike, which already sponsors superstars LeBron James, Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant.

"Adidas is changing its marketing strategy," said Cedric Rossi, an analyst at investment bank Bryan Garnier.

"It no longer sponsors the NBA league, but it is backing a few key players ... Consumers associate and identify with these stars much more easily."

Nike will, meanwhile, take over from Adidas as NBA's official apparel supplier from the 2016-17 season.

From then, Adidas will reallocate the $10 million a year it paid to the league to individual players, said Rossi, explaining the value of Harden's contract.

"We must not forget that it is for about 13 years. In the end, he makes $15 million a year."

- Autonomy in the US –

Adidas pulled out its chequebook because the stakes are high for CEO Herbert Hainer, who is under pressure from shareholders.

The sportswear maker was relegated last year to number three rank in the US market, behind newcomer Under Armour.

Adidas, a giant in football-obsessed Germany, presented a new strategy in March for the market across the Atlantic.

"The United States has always been a problem," even in the time of Robert Louis-Dreyfus, its former chief, recalls an ex-company executive.

"The view of Adidas has always been a European vision on the US market ... We never allowed the US to work as entrepreneurs."

He said this could have included adapting its marketing strategy and, for example, investing in university sports.

The company's previous costly mistakes, made from its headquarters in Herzogenaurach in southern Germany, have included declining in 1984 to sign up Michael Jordan, then a rising star, the former executive said.

Adidas has also had trouble with the integration of Reebok, acquired in 2005 in a deal that is just starting to bear fruit in the fitness sector.

The German company has started to shift course and in 2014 brought in American Mark King as head of the North America region.

Product design is now done in the United States, and King has a free hand in marketing campaigns, with plans to sponsor 500 athletes from American football and baseball.

"The American subsidiary gained independence and it was essential," said Rossi, who said Adidas made "the right steps" in the US, where sales rose three percent in this year's first half.

"Now we expect a growth in turnover."

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com