A Glam Slam

EQUINOX GYMS RECRUIT FASHION PHOTOG FOR NEW AD CAMPAIGN

Equinox's 51 gyms are gearing up for 2011 with a racy new ad campaign. The luxury fitness center has tapped into fashion photographer, Terry Richardson, for their outdoor digital and print ads. Richardson is well known in the fashion world for his risque, provocative, "sex sells" mentality and often controversial behavior.

One of the new Equinox ads features a model scantily clad in a red and black lace bra, surrounded by polaroids of herself. The tagline reads: "Confidence." Other shots also feature models in various states of undress, which is no surprise considering the lensman behind these photos. The connection to fitness is not so clear cut, but if nothing else, these pics should motivate you to keep up those New Year's resolutions.

The steamy shots, which are meant merge fashion, fitness and lifestyle, will break in January magazines and appear on phone kiosks. Additional outdoor signage will go up in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Boston, Miami, Washington and San Francisco.  [WWD]

Check them out:

 

- Glam Gal - 

FANCY FEET: WORLD'S FIRST BBALL SHOES DESIGNED TO PREVENT ANKLE SPRAINS

While games take center stage in the NBA, sneakers follow pretty close behind. Basketball shoes are more than just a necessity on-court, they are a major fashion statement and an iconic symbol for some of the league's greatest players. Each season, fans eagerly await the newest line of kicks from footwear giants like Nike, adidas and Reebok. Just this past weekend, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James and Kevin Durant debuted holiday themed shoes that caused quite a fashion buzz among NBA fans and sneaker enthusiasts, due to their over-the-top colorways and design features. 

But aside from the aesthetics, new shoes are constantly being developed with comfort and safety in mind. Ektio, the world's first physician-designed basketball shoe created to prevent sprained ankles, is now available for the first time at top athletic shoe retailers including Eastbay.com and Finishline.com this month, and Amazon.com in January.  

"According to NBA statistician Harvey Pollack's NBA Statistical Yearbook," said Ektio inventor, Dr. Barry Katz, "ankle sprains have for 46 years been the #1 or #2 injury. 3 million ankle sprains cause 1 million ER visits annually. Only 2 months into this year's NBA season, 45 injuries have put players on the bench, 23 of which are ankle sprains. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors sprained his right ankle 3 times and will be out for up to 4 weeks."

Ektio's Wraptor high-top design comes in two color combinations; red and black or grey and Carolina blue with mesh detailed walls. The 'Post Up' three-quarter top design comes in four color combinations: white and red, blue and black, all white and all black with mesh walls. In addition to their unique design, Ektio shoes are also the very first physician-designed athletic shoes that provide solid ankle support without inhibiting mobility. 

Former NY Knick John Starks, who missed 40 games during his career due to ankle sprains, endorses the Etkio brand. He is working to get the shoes on as many NBA player’s feet as possible. 

 If you'd like to test them out for yourself, visit the site here. The shoes retails for $199.99 a pair and are available in men's U.S. sizes 8 - 14. Check them out:

 

- Glam Gal - 

CHRISTMAS DAY KICKS: KOBE VS. LEBRON

The Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Miami Heat on December 25th, in what's likely to become a Christmas Day classic. In keeping with the holiday spirit, the games' biggest stars, Kobe Bryant and LeBron James, will unveil some festive new footwear. In this Christmas story, Kobe will play the role of "The Grinch," trying steal a win from LeBron James and the Heat.

We showed you Kobe's Nike Zoom VI "Christmas Day" kicks a few weeks ago, with a colorway that pays homage to The Grinch's iconic lime green fur. While Bryant's shoes resemble the holiday deviant, LeBron's shoes seem to resemble the holiday saint, Santa Claus. The Nike LeBron 8 v2 "Run on Red" Christmas shoe features a red and white colorway with green laces and a white-speckled black sole. The shoes will be released on December 26th at select Nike retailers and online, for $160.00. Additional colors of the LeBron 8 v2 will be available January 8, 2011.

So who has the better Christmas day kicks? Kobe OR LeBron

 

OR

 

- Glam Gal - 

MEN'S HOLIDAY FASHION TIPS FROM DHANI JONES

Dhani Jones is an NFL linebacker for the Cincinnati Bengals. But that's beside the point. His off-field endeavors seem to attract just as much attention especially when it comes to fashion, where Jones is at the top of his game. Not only does he have a successful company called Five Star Ties, which is totally revolutionizing the world of bow-ties, but he also recently landed a spot on Forbes' best-dressed list of athletes. 

Taking full advantage of his knack for fashion, CelebTV.com recruited Jones to share some dressing tips for guys, to help get them through this holiday season. Dhani headed to Saks Fifth Avenue where he chose his top clothing picks for these three scenarios: "Meeting the Parents," "Company Holiday Party" and "New Year's Eve. The football star also shared tips like these:

• "Every guys gotta to have color in his repertiore (even pink)."
• Rules for buttoning a shirt: "After 9? You can go two buttons unbuttoned. Before 9? Leave only one button unbuttoned. And after 2 a.m.? Well then it doesn't matter."
• "On New Years, it's important to "peacock," you know, show off a bit."

For more on Dhani's holiday fashion advice, check out this video:

 

 

 

- Glam Gal - 

AMAR'E STOUDEMIRE: WOMEN'S FASHION DESIGNER?

Amar'e Stoudemire has made quite an impression since moving to New York. Besides bringing some life (and some wins) back to the New York Knicks program, Amar'e has made his mark in the world of fashion. Serving as Vogue Editor-In-Chief Anna Wintour's newest athlete muse, the basketball star took center stage during New York Fashion Week this past Fall. He could even be the next professional sports star to grace the cover of the "Fashion Bible."

With a growing interest in high-style and a city that offers more opportunities than he had in Phoenix, It seems only logical that Amar'e's next move would take him from the hardwood to the design room. According to the NY Post , the Knicks power forward is rumored to be working on a line of clothing with designer, Rachel Roy. The line will be a part of Roy's contemporary label for Macy's, Rachel Rachel Roy. Although details are not set in stone, the collection is said to be for women and would launch next fall. 

Amar'e is tough, but so is the fashion industry. Whether or not he can succeed remains to be seen. But one thing's for certain, at 6'10 he will no doubt be the tallest designer.

 

  
 

- Glam Gal - 

SASHA VUJACIC NEEDS SOME NEW SHOES

Sasha Vujacic recently took his talents to New Jersey, the result of a three-team deal between the Nets, Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets. In only his second game with the team, the newly aquired Vujacic hit a crucial pair of 3's to help give the Nets an 89-82 victory over the Atlanta Hawks this past weekend. While it might seem as though he's settling in as a Net, there's still one problem: his sneakers.

The Nets guard has been wearing his purple and gold Lakers-themed shoes on-court, with his new red, white and blue Nets uniform.  A major sports fashion faux pas. The baller is currently part of the Peak Shoes team, a top basketball footwear company in China that has been having more success with NBA players. Let's hope they can keep that up and get Sasha a new pair of kicks.

 

- Glam Gal - 

NCAA GEAR YOU NEED TO CHEER

The bad news for NCAA fans: the 2010 football season is winding down, with only bowl games left to play. The good news: the end of college football means college basketball is in full swing. As your favorite teams work to improve their game, you can work to improve your gametime style.

Collegiate attire has definitely evolved over the years and companies are continuing to take on a more fashion-forward approach when it comes to developing gear for female fans. A Glam Slam has found three companies who are putting a totally unique spin on college fan gear, each doing so in very different ways. Take a look:

 

Campus Couture

“Couture was her only downfall…that and a love for her team.”  The motto of the Campus Couture brand describes many collegiate females who are eager to showcase their school spirit, while maintaining their sense of style at the same time. Long sleeve tees, shorts sleeve tees, tanks, hoodies and track jackets adhere to school colors, but custom prints and embellishments ensure that your team gear will be one-of-a-kind. An added bonus: you can even expedite your shipment to receive items just in time for the big game.

 

 SPORTi

SPORTi was founded by Lusine Mkrtchyan, a fashion enthusiast and USC graduate. Sick of modifying over-sized clothing into fashionable pieces, Lusine set out to create a stylish collection for female sports fans. Taking inspiration from students, fashion runways and the streets, the brand's innovative offerings allow female fans to proudly showcase their school colors and team spirit all while maintaining their femininity. Dresses, jumpers, tanks, tube tops and tees project a fun and flirty vibe that will turn heads in the stands and take you way beyond gametime.

 

Meesh & Mia

Meesh & Mia offer a more sophisticated approach to collegiate fan gear, an area that is typically dominated by casual tees and sweats. The line of jackets, vests, tunics, cardigans and sweaters feature very subtle touches of team spirit making the collection perfect for “Game day. Work day. Any day.”

The company’s fashions seem to target a slightly older demographic, likely school alums, faculty or general sports enthusiasts. Perfectly placed team logos and intricate details give these pieces a high-fashion feel and make them much more versatile. The attire even work appropriate, so wearers can show their team allegiance any time of day.

 

 

- Glam Gal - 

FC BARCELONA SUITS UP WITH DSQUARED2

Soccer stars continue to take the spotlight as some of the world's best-dressed athletes due in large part to team collaborations with top luxury designers. Fashion houses have been pairing up with football clubs quite often in recent years. Dolce & Gabbana outfits the AC Milan and Chelsea teams as well as the Italian national team and British Designer, Paul Smith, has dressed Manchester United. 

Another high-end fashion label, DSquared2, is never too far from the sports action. The design duo recently completed a three-year collaboration with team Juventus and they were also tapped to outfit the Canadian Olympic team during the Vancouver Games.

Most recently the brand announced its second collaboration with Futbol Club (FC) Barcelona. They will design "imaginative and patriotic styles for the internationally celebrated team to wear."

 

 

As part of the partnership, DSquared2 will provide off-field uniforms for the team. Expect to see the guys dressed in elegant tones of grey and luxurious blue cashmere vests, silk ties, scarves and brooches all adorned with the team’s official logo. Accessories offered will consist of belts, leather gloves, bags and branded black leather boots to help to finish off the look.

 "We are delighted to associate our brand back to Barça” said Dean and Dan Caten, Creative Directors and Designers behind the fashion forward brand. “The players will represent our vision of the modern man: athletic, intelligent and tasteful, both on and off the field.”

 

 

- Glam Gal - 

TEAM JORDAN SIGNS LAMARR WOODLEY

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker, LaMarr Woodley, is the newest player to be added to the Nike Team Jordan roster. Woodley has signed an exclusive endorsement deal with the brand. Though Team Jordan is typically associated with the hardwood, the brand believes the Pittsburgh star is "at the top of his game" and a great representative of the Jordan Family.

The new Steelers-themed high-cut cleat created for Woodley features the team's signature black, white and yellow hues. Fans might have already noticed the footwear since LaMarr has been sporting the custom shoe in recent games. He will represent Team Jordan once again this weekend, as the Steelers take on the New York Jets. Keep an eye out for these cleats:

- Glam Gal - 

CAPPIE PONDEXTER SHARES HER STYLE SECRETS WITH HEART & SOUL MAGAZINE

Cappie Pondexter is not only one of the WNBA’s best scorers, she is also the league's best-dressed. The New York Liberty all-star guard has succeeded in balancing a basketball career and growing fashion business, proving that style and sports really do mix. 

According to Pondexter, “People don’t usually associate female athleticism with style, so I hope to change that.”  When she’s not impressing fans with her bball skills, Cappie runs 4 Season Style Management with partner Lisa Smith Craig. The firm provides fashion styling and image consulting for athletes and celebrities.

And Cappie manages to keep her keen sense of style in tact both on and off the court. How does she do it? This month, Heart & Soul magazine got the basketball star to dish on some of her fashion and beauty secrets. Take a look:

• When it comes to “Wardrobe Staples,” Cappie revealed: “I’m big on jackets and blazers because I feel they complete a look.” One of her favorites? Alexander Wang military style jackets.

 

• Cappie's beauty regimen compliments her lifestyle on and off the court. She revealed that she “feels naked” when her nails aren’t polished and even likes to sport brightly colored nails when she hits the hardwood. Her favorites? O.P.I.’s “Need Sunglasses” and Essie’s “Aruba Blue."

• When it comes to makeup, Cappie keeps it simple with products like Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer and MAC Liquid Eyeliner and Tinted Lipglass.

• Cappie admitted to having strong and healthy hair, thanks to stylist Edris Nichols. She visits the NYC salon for extensions, which are easier to maintain during games.

• Skincare is important too. For her sensitive skin, Cappie opts for Darphin’s Intral Cleansing Milk Toner and Redness Relief Recovery Cream. "As an athlete, I work up a sweat which can dry out my skin," she said. "To replenish it I use Laura Mercier Crème Broulee Souflee Body Crème."

For more on Cappie’s style secrets, be sure to pick up the December issue of Heart & Soul magazine.

 

- Glam Gal -