A Glam Slam

CATCH SOME WAVES IN STYLE WITH BILLABONG & INVISTA

The Billabong brand is synonymous with hip, stylish and functional surf gear. So it's only fitting that Invista Inc., one of the world's largest producers of polymers and fibers, primarily for nylon, spandex and polyester, has partnered with the brand in an effort to target younger, more fashionable surf consumers, primarily those in the 18-29 age bracket.

To promote this partnership, Billabong and Invista have tapped into top female surfer and 2009 ESPY Winner in the "Female Action Sports Athlete of the Year" category, Maya Gabeira, as part of their print and digital marketing campaign. They have designed a signature two-piece coral swimsuit made of Xtra Life Lycra (seen below). Xtra Life Lycra is the new standard in swimwear because of its comfortable, long-lasting fit, that still keeps style in mind. The suit pieces will sell separately at $39.50 each and will be available in June at Everything But Water stores.

To further promote this new partnership, an online design contest will go live on Mylycra.com on May 1. Surf lovers and fashion lovers will have the opportunity to design a signature suit for Gabeira, utilizing a variety of silhouettes and colors and XtraLife Lycra. Stay tuned for additional contest details. And look out for the XtraLife Lycra to appear in Billabong's swimwear collection for 2011. [WWD]

 

 

- Glam Gal -

VS PINK HITS IT OUT OF THE PARK WITH NEW MLB COLLECTION

Victoria's Secret PINK already has a successful Collegiate Collection for young women, which includes a variety of tees and sweats that feature a blend of the brand's signature style and the logos of top universities.

Now VS PINK has expanded their collection of fashionable sportwear to include MLB teams. Female fans will love the new co-branded collection that will offer an assortment of tees, tanks, shorts, sweats and hoodies. Items will once again merge VS Pink's style with the logos of 11 MLB teams. Those teams include: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Los Angeles Dodgers, Minnesota Twins, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals. 

Team shops at the stadiums often to not offer fashion-forward options for women. Fan gear is limited to pale pink hats and jerseys or men's apparel in smaller sizes. The new VS PINK collection will add a bit of femininity to MLB gear for women, with items that are both sporty and stylish. The gear will also feature slogans such as "I Only Kiss Yankees Fans" and "Love Love Love Twins." 

This marks the first professional sports relationship for the brand. And with this partnership, MLB proves that they are continuing to find ways to target an important, yet often overlooked audience: female fans. In fact, "Women account for more than 40% of fans at major league games," MLB Executive Vice President, Tim Brosnan says. [USA Today]. This new collection is a great way to acknowledge the support of those fans. And as A Glam Slam shared with you last week, MLB has also partned with Motherhood Maternity to created a line of tees for moms-to-be, so ladies, your bases are covered.

The collection will officially launch tomorrow at more than 100 Victoria's Secret stores and at www.victoriassecret.com, so be sure to check it out. With Opening Day only a few weeks away, these styles are sure to fly off shelves.

  
 
 

- Glam Gal -

BOYS IN THE BUFF LAUNCH REEBOK ZIGTECH SNEAKERS

Last night on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Jimmy spoke with Cinncinatti Bengals wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco, Ultimate Fighting Champion, Chuck Liddell and actor, Dax Shepard, about their recent "nude" videos that have created a ton of internet buzz. Ochocinco was seen running through the woods, Chuck working out and Dax playing golf...all in the buff. In case you missed it, check out the interview here:

But joking aside, the guys all sported the Reebok ZigTech sneakers to coincide with yesterday's official launch of the kicks. These 2 1/2 athletes (Dax claims to be an avid minature golfer) actually created those videos as part of a viral marketing campaign to promote ZigTech, Reebok's newest innovation.

The brand likens these shoes to "an energy drink for your feet." According to the press release, Reebok’s ZigTech footwear was designed to conserve and return energy to the athlete for a soft and springy step. The unique ZigTech sole, the first of its kind, is meant to "absorb the impact of heel strike and sends a wave of energy along the length of the shoe to help propel the athlete forward with each step."

From a design standpoint, consumer reactions have been mixed. While some believe the zig-zag bottom is both unique and cool, others have compared it to everyday items such as toothpaste. Interesting. But as far as comfort is concerned, these kicks have received a passing grade.

Reebok ZigTechs are now available at stores nationwide and retail for $100. You can grab a pair here. And check them out below:

 

 

 
 

 - Glam Gal -

WHO'S HAUTE? THURSDAYS: ADAM SCOTT

The countdown to the Masters has begun, as the tournament is only one month away. And Adam Scott is ready to win a major championship. This Australian golfer began his professional career in 2000. By age 27, he had won seven international events and five times on the PGA Tour. Following in the footsteps of his mentor, fellow Aussie golfer Greg Norman, Scott has become one of the most recognizable golfers at the international level. He is one of the only two golfers in the world born in the 1980s, who have made it into the top ten of the official world golf rankings. Look out for this 30-year old to become one of the best golfers from the land down under. 

And this Aussie always looks good when he hits the green. While other golfers turn to sportswear brands such as Nike and Adidas to outfit theselves on the course, Scott opts for high-end designers. Some might actually know him better for his Burberry ads then for his golfing skills, as he has previously worked with the London based fashion house. Recently he's paired his 9-iron with Hugo Boss attire, which has easily made him one of golf's snazziest dressers. Talk about teeing off in style. 

Scott is also rumored to be launching his own apparel line, with an official announcement expected in the coming weeks. But not only is Adam known for sporting "haute" couture, he's also known for being totally "hot." He dated Kate Hudson last year and bad news ladies, he's currently attached to Serbian tennis star, Ana Ivanovic.

Adam Scott is Who's Haute.

 
 
 
 - Glam Gal -

DERBY HATS DEBUT FOR A GOOD CAUSE

While the horse racing takes center stage at the Kentucky Derby, the hats of derby spectators are definitely a close second. The colorful, overly embellished and over-sized headgear choices are always a sight to see. To celebrate the road to the 136th Kentucky Derby, Maggie Mae Designs and Old Friends have teamed up for an online shopping experience: "Hats Off to the Horses: The Road to the Derby."

This unique Derby hat auction began November 1st and features six months of one-of-a-kind couture Derby hats created by Maggie Mae Designs to benefit Old Friends, a facility for retired horses. Maggie Mae designs are known for their custom couture millenry with hats that are perfectly crafted and tailored to suit each individual's tastes and needs. And what's even better is that all of the proceeds from this auction will benefit retired thoroughbred racehorses that are too old for racing or breeding.

The auction of high-fashion hats will continue through April, as we get closer and closer to one of the most exciting few minutes in sports. Each time a new hat is introduced, bidding is conducted for 10 days on the Old Friends website at www.oldfriendsequine.org or at www.maggiemae.com. 

Currently, the "Academy Award" hat seen below is the fifth hat up for bidding. "Academy Award" is a 24-year old stallion and one of the only surviving sons of Triple Crown winner Secretariat. And this gorgeous design is only a preview of what's to come as we reach Derby Day.

 

- Glam Gal -

PAYLESS JOINS THE FITNESS CRAZE

The Payless shoe brand is known for "democratizing fashion and design in footwear" by offering consumers stylish and on-trend shoes, at very affordable prices. The Payless styles often mimic runway looks and top designers themselves have collaborated with the brand to create fashion forward footwear for the everyday customer. So at a time when "toning sneakers" are all the rage, the brand, as always, must keep up with the competition. 

Reebok's Easytone Sneakers claim to tone and strengthen the legs and butt and help you burn calories as you engage in your day-to-day activities. And Skechers Shape-Ups claim to stimulate walking on soft ground, which eases stress on joints and engages muscles not normally used, to result in the strengthening and toning of leg muscles. Now the newest addition to that list is the Payless launch of Champion Fitness, a line of toning shoes.

According to the press release, these kicks are "the latest innovation in athletic footwear where the shoes feature unique technology that creates a slight instability while walking and encourages toning of the leg and buttock muscles." The shoes have been likened to "walking on sand." Not only do they provide comfort and support, but the patent-pending technology, the "Cradle Toning Bottom," features two curved pods that create slight instability while walking to encourage muscle toning benefits. 

The Champion Fitness line of women's shoes are available now, ranging in price from $25 to $40, at hundreds of Payless stores and at Payless.com. Check them out here. And if you like these kicks stay tuned for more to come. The brand plans to extend the women's line with added styles and develop a line for men by the end of the year.

A Glam Slam readers, what are your thoughts? If you've hopped on the "toning sneakers" bandwagon, which brand is your favorite? Let Glam Gal know what you think!

 

- Glam Gal -

MLB FOR "MOMS-TO-BE"

Baseball's Opening Day will soon be here. Fans have waited six long months to head back to the stadium, dressed in their fan gear, to root for their favorite teams. 

"Major League Baseball recognizes the importance of outfitting each and every fan, with quality products that will show their team support," said Howard Smith, Senior Vice President, Licensing, Major League Baseball. So to be sure no one is left out this season, they have worked with Motherhood Maternity to offer a new line of MLB liscenced tees for "moms-to-be." 

Motherhood Maternity, known for their fashionable and affordable maternity apparel, is now carrying this new line of gear. The short sleeve, crew neck tees come in solid colors and feature MLB team logos. Available in sizes small through extra-large, the tees are both comfortable and stylish and allow all future moms show their team support. And when the little fans are finally born, they can be dressed up in the new MLB onsies for newborns also being offered by Motherhood Maternity.

The entire selection of maternity t-shirts ($24.98) and MLB onesies ($16.98), including select teams in plus sizes, are available online at www.motherhood.com and www.destinationmaternity.com.

 
 
 

- Glam Gal -

THE 'FLYING TOMATO' HITS ANOTHER BULLSEYE

With the Olympics behind him, Shaun White has time to focus on yet another hobby: fashion design. The "Flying Tomato" already had a successful line of clothing with Target, which was launched in 2008. But after another gold medal win, the retailer and major sponsor of Shaun expects that his new line will be an even greater success. And they are probably right.

With an unforgettable halfpipe run, Shaun continued to win the hearts of Americans. And the win, combined with his subsequent media blitz, not only make Shaun one of the most recognizable US athletes, but will also help the sport to become more mainstream.

The snowboarder's signature line, "Shaun White 4 Target," features a variety of tees, hoodies and shorts for boys and young men. All of the items evoke the typical blend of hipster, punk and grunge styles, often associated with fans of the sport. Though items are geared towards young men, it wouldn't be surprising to see some ladies rocking these looks.

The Spring collection of boy's and men's clothing hit stores just last week. You can check out the collection here.

What do you think? Does Shaun have a future in fashion, or should he stick to the slopes?

  
 
 

- Glam Gal -