A Glam Slam

NADAL IS THE ONE TO 'WATCH' AT ROLAND GARROS

Just when it seemed like buzz over Venus' controversial, black lace outfit would be hard to top, Rafael Nadal stepped up his on-court style at Roland Garros - big time. The tennis star hit the court sporting a $525,000 watch.

Athletes have been representing luxury watch brands for quite some time, including the likes of Rolex, Torneau and Citizen. But when the news of Nadal's partnership with high-end Swiss watchmaker, Richard Mille, broke back in April it was a marketing ploy that many had questioned. That's because even the slightest addition of weight to the wrist of a tennis player could throw off their game. But Mille took that into consideration when creating the timepiece.

The Tourbillon Watch RM 027 was designed especially for Nadal. The all black watch with a polyurethane band is the lightest mechanical watch ever made (only weighing a mere 3.83 grams) and it was designed during the course of 2 years by the prestigious watchmaker. It's so exclusive that only 50 pieces will be produced.

And so far it seems to be working just fine. Nadal coasted through the first two rounds of the French Open defeating Gianni Mina (6-2, 6-2, 6-2) and Horatio Zeballos (6-2, 6-2, 6-3), all while wearing the watch.

 
 

- Glam Gal - 

THE BEAUTY OF BASEBALL

Players need a lot more than a baseball cap and shades to help keep their skin healthy during long games on hot Summer days. And skincare brands are recognizing that baseball provides a great opportunity to market their sun care and men's grooming lines. Here's the new equipment that the "Boys of Summer" will use to protect their skin when they hit the field this season:

Mission Skincare, the athlete-inspired personal care brand, has signed a multiyear deal with New York Mets third basemen, David Wright, who is also a co-founder of the brand. Wright has been added to their impressive team of athlete spokespeople which already includes Serena Williams, Steve Nash, Sergio Garcia and Mia Hamm.

In addition to the new partnership with Wright, Mission Skincare has also signed a deal with Major League Baseball to cobrand products with its teams and logos. As a start, the brand will introduce its SPF 30+ face stick and SPF 15 lip balm in July, featuring logos of the New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. Fans can keep an eye out for these products at Dick's Sporting Goods stores.

Similarly, the Murad skincare brand has announced a new partnership with the Los Angeles Dodgers to provide sunscreen and a full regimen of products specifically for the team. The Dodgers will have Murad's Waterproof Sunblock SPF 30 in the dugouts and the full Murad Man skincare collection in the locker room for post-game cleanup.

 
 
 

- Glam Gal - 

WHO'S HAUTE? THURSDAYS: RAJON RONDO

Rajon Rondo was the 21st overall draft pick in 2006 and just four years later, he is already an NBA All-Star. He is an integral part of the Boston Celtics team and even his superstar teammates have nothing but high praise for the young point guard. In just his second pro season, Rondo helped his team win an NBA championship. And while there's no doubt that his game has room for improvement, many believe he is poised to become one of the best guards in the league in the next few years. But for now, Rondo and the Celtics are trying to secure another run at an NBA title. 

While playing ball might be Rajon's first love, his love of clothing is a close second. Not only does he have a large sneaker collection and countless pairs of jeans but he likes to spend most of his free time shopping. Rajon has even been known to play fashion police in the locker room and isn't afraid to "trash talk" his teammates when it comes to their off-court style. So who is the best-dressed guy on the team? He is, of course.

In fact, Rondo likes shopping so much, it's been said that he took a group of students back-to-school shopping for new outfits and shoes on a whim. Which brings about another important issue for Rajon. He also founded Camp Rondo, "a basketball development experience" for kids of all ages. In addition to basic skills, Rajon hopes the camp will instill a good work ethic and good habits into these kids.

Rajon Rondo is Who's Haute.

 

 
- Glam Gal - 

NIKE WANTS TO KNOW: WHAT'S YOUR MANTRA?

"Just Do It" is one of the best and most recognizable brand slogans. But now NIke is encouraging fans to share their own personal mantra. The "Attitude from You" contest allows women to submit the words that inspire them most. Visitors to the site can vote on their favorites and the best mantras will be made into official Nike t-shirts.

To take it one step further, Nike has also partnered with tennis superstar, fashion maven and a women that embodies all kinds of "attitude," Serena Williams. Serena will rock her favorite mantra tees for the world to see. 

 

Got something to say? Today is the last day to enter or vote so be sure to check it out at nike.com. Here are some of the entries so far:

 
  

  - Glam Gal -

ONYEWU SCORES IN DOLCE & GABBANA

Soccer stars...they're so hot right now. They've been gracing the covers of top magazines, representing brands, modeling in their skivvies and giving us every reason possible to tune into the World Cup.

The latest player to showcase his fashion sense is A.C. Milan defender, Oguchi Onyewu. The American-born footballer will be wearing his Team USA uniform come June 11th, but he opted for Dolce & Gabbana during a photo shoot with GQ magazine. "Gooch" as he's called, looked sexy and stylish as he modeled sportswear, suits and underwear from the Italian fashion house. 

Check out the June issue of the magazine for the full editorial and photos, but here's a little peak. And on behalf of the ladies out there, we thank you, GQ.

 

  
  
 
 
  - Glam Gal -

ATHLETES DOMINATE THE DANCE FLOOR

Another season of "Dancing with the Stars" came to an end last night. The real reason A Glam Slam tunes in each time is to see the ahtletes compete. Male or female, they have proven to be the most entertaining contestants each season. And they are also the most successful. Sports stars are batting .500 as they've taken the crown in 5 out of the 10 seasons. Not bad for a crop of contestants with virtually no dance experience. Here's a list of the sports superstars who have taken home the disco ball trophy:

• Emmitt Smith (former NFL star): Season 3 champion
• Apolo Anton Ohno (Olympic gold medal speed skater): Season 4 champion
• Helio Castroneves (Indycar driver): Season 5 champion
• Kristi Yamaguchi (Olympic gold medal figure skater) Season 6 champion
• Shawn johnson (Olympic gold medal gymnast) Season 8 champion

And current and former NFL stars, Warren Sapp, Jason Taylor and Jerry Rice, have all captured second place.

Some say athletes have the advantage thanks to their work ethic, physical abilities, competitive spirit and enormous fan bases. Perhaps it could also be the sheer pleasure of seeing them rock spray tans and sequins as they dance the samba or the waltz? And while a sports star did not take home the trophy this season, three of the four finalists were in the sports field: Olympic gold medal figure skater, Evan Lysacek, ESPN reporter, Erin Andrews and Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver, Chad Ochocinco.

In honor of another dominate season of sports in dancing, A Glam Slam has chosen the two best looks from each of these contestants. Here are the fashion favorites:

Evan Lysacek 

 
 
 
Erin Andrews

 
 

Chad Ochocinco

   

The show will return in September with a brand new cast. So which sports stars would you like to see on the dance floor? A Glam Slam posed this question on twitter and here is a list of the athletes that fans hope to see on the Season 11 roster: 

• Dwight Howard
• Shaquille O'Neal
• Joe Montana 
• Kurt Warner
• Derek Jeter (Rumor has it, the NY Yankees shortstop has been asked several times to join the cast)
• Danica Patrick
• Nick Swisher
• Dennis Rodman
• Andy Roddick 
• David Beckham
• Serena Williams
• Lance Armstrong

- Glam Gal -

USAIN "LIGHTNING" BOLT BECOMES HUBLOT AMBASSADOR

Hublot, a Swiss company that creates luxury watches, has added another sports superstar to its already impressive team roster. Jamaican sprinter, Usain Bolt, joins Olympic ski racer, Bode Miller and footballer, Diego Maradona, as the newest brand ambassador.

Usain is nicknamed "Lightening Bolt" quite simply because he is the fastest man of all time. And this was a huge factor in the brand's decision to partner with the World Record-holding sprinter. Jean-Claude Biver, CEO of Hublot said "It is hugely symbolic for a watchmaker to see his watch worn by the fastest man in the world! The concept of time is sacred for him and for us...We measure time, Usain always seems to outrun it!"

Bolt will be featured in ads for the King Power King Gold watch and will unveil a limited edition Hublot watch when he visits Switzerland in July for the Athletissima meet in Lausanne. [WWD]

 

 

- Glam Gal -

VENUS' FRENCH OPEN FASHION: HIT OR MISS?

The French Open is officially underway but the most memorable moment thus far has nothing to do with tennis. Instead, all of the buzz is centered around Venus Williams' on-court attire.

As a fashion designer herself, Venus never disappoints fans when she hits the court. While her style is typically edgy, bold and a bit shocking, it seems even she might have gone a bit overboard this time around. 

Channeling a character from Moulin Rouge rather than a tennis superstar, Venus wore a black lace mini with a corseted top, bright red piping and a ruffled bottom. As if that wasn't racy enough, she also sported skin-colored underwear which was often visible to fans and photogs and gave off the illusion that she wasn't wearing any undergarments at all.

 

Williams coasted to a 6-3, 6-3 victory against Patty Schnyder of Switzerland but did anyone even care? All eyes were on her lingerie-like wardrobe. It's safe to say that fans will be eager to see what Venus has in store come Round 2 at Roland Garros.

Did Venus go too far with this wardrobe choice? Vote here:

 

- Glam Gal -

"DRESS" FOR THE WORLD CUP

The 2010 World Cup is just around the corner. While players and coaches are gearing up to take the big stage, fans all over the globe are stocking up on team merchandise to sport come gametime.

We've seen everything from the standard team jerseys and shorts to unique new flip-flop and socks but one thing we haven't seen yet: dresses. While this particular option is only for those fans who support The Netherlands, it is still worth sharing. Commissioned by Bavaria beer and designed by SuperTrash, The Netherlands dress has been dubbed the first official World Cup dress ever made [Kickette]. The SuperTrash brand is known to produce pieces that are "effortless, never too polished and always arranged into a blend of surprise" as evident in this piece.

The bright orange cowl neck dress is accessorized with a blue and white striped rope belt. While A Glam Slam normally wouldn't condone dresses during sporting events, this is a great display of national finery and fun way to stay cool in South Africa this Summer. And it's so stylish, it can easily be worn from the stadium to celebrations after a big win.

And who better to model the dress than World Cup WAG Sylvie van der Vaart, a Dutch supermodel and actress and the wife of footballer Rafael van der Vaart. So far Team Netherlands has scored on the fashion front. It will be interesting to see how the female competition responds.

 
 

- Glam Gal -

MLB HONORS MEMORIAL DAY WITH NEW CAPS

Major League Baseball is constantly developing new merchandise to market to fans, especially when it comes to baseball caps. This past Winter fans were introduced to new "Elmer Fudd" caps, followed by new BP hats and now they have yet another opportunity to showcase their support for their favorite teams.

For games played on Memorial Day, all MLB teams will be wearing special "Stars & Stripes" caps again this year. Hats will also be worn during July 4th and September 11th games. Design components include an off-white base color with a red or navy brim. An American flag design is also included within outlined team logos and the back of each hat has an embroidered MLB logo with that same stars and stripes motif. The updated look is a bit of a departure from last year's Memorial Day caps, which included the same American Flag team logos atop an all red base. Take a look a both styles:

2009

   

2010

 

 
 
 

The "Stars & Stripes" 59Fifty style caps come from New Era and are available at www.mlb.com for $37. MLB will also donate $1 to Welcome Back Veterans for each cap purchased through www.mlb.com. And in addition to the Memorial Day hats, other merchandise including tees of a similar design are also being offered.

Many baseball fans have taken to twitter to discuss their thoughts on the new caps and reactions have been mixed. What do you think about the new "Stars & Stripes" look for 2010?

- Glam Gal -