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Philadelphia 76ers Joel Embiid and Skechers could rock the basketball sneaker world

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Joel Embiid returned to the court last week and led his Philadelphia 76ers to a victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The momentous occasion marked Embiid’s first game since knee surgery that left him with a meniscus injury in late January. While his performance was nothing wanting spectacular, the highlight was on the seven-time All-Star Center’s shoes.

After months of speculation, Embiid returned in uniform Skechers SKX float in white, black and orange colours. After the contract with Under Armor expires Athlete reported on a possible Embiid/Skechers partnership in October 2023. On Tuesday, the footwear industry reporter Nick DePaula reported that the league’s reigning MVP has reportedly signed a multi-year cope with the Los Angeles-based company to be the face of its basketball division together with New York Knicks forward Julius Randle and LA Clippers shooting guard Terance Mann. Skechers could not be reached for comment on a possible cope with Embiid or his plans.

There isn’t any officially stated reason why Embiid left Under Armor after five years. It was reported that the longtime Sixer was dissatisfied along with his promotion and position inside the brand. During his profession with the Baltimore-based company, he won the NBA MVP award in the 2022-2023 season. The brand’s most notable commercial during this series was ad aired before the start of the 2022 season. By comparison, brands like Nike release ads relatively quickly after one in every of their athletes makes history. Nike produced Debate on this topic commercial after Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant won the 2017 NBA Finals MVP award. Embiid never looked as if it would get the highlight that a player of his stature normally earns.

Center Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers will play against the Oklahoma City Thunder on April 2 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia.

David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Many people view Skechers as a way of life brand aimed toward young children, middle-aged and older people, slightly than a brand that could compete in the lively sports market. However, Skechers reported record sales of $8 billion in 2023, which suggests a year-on-year sales increase of seven.7%. Those earnings leave it far behind industry giants like Nike ($52 billion) and Adidas ($23 billion). Skechers is in the same range as Puma ($9 billion) and Under Armor ($5.9 billion).

By acquiring Embiid, Skechers also continues the trend of a brand attractive to the recent generation. Business executive Martha Stewart and rapper Snoop Dogg recently endorsed and landed the brand Super Bowl ad. The company has also signed former Premier League star and England captain Harry Kane as the face of its football division. It’s clear that even when Skechers doesn’t have the coolness of Nike or Adidas, the money is there. This money flow allows it to compete with established brands, and the company seems willing to innovate greater than others.

From Embiid’s standpoint, this announced transaction is a likelihood for him to turn into the face of the company. He has at all times been number 2 at Under Armor, behind Stephen Curry. Embiid only had one signature shoe, the Embiid One. Curry had multiple pairs of his signature line, began his own brand, Curry Brand, and expanded his product lineup to incorporate golf apparel and more.

Embiid and Skechers could do something similar in the event that they resolve to go on this direction.

Sneakers worn by Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers during the game against Miami Heat on April 4 at the Kaseya Center in Miami.

Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images

Looking at Skechers current basketball offersIt is protected to assume that Embiid’s signature shoes will almost definitely appear and can be available in an analogous price range. Couple that with a primary opportunity to “dismantle” or a less expensive model of Embiid’s signature shoe, and it is a win for all parties.

One of the key aspects and a possible reason for Embiid’s decision is the access that the Skechers brand has. Skechers is on its strategy to own stores and is accessible at most major retailers reminiscent of Academy Sports, Rack Room Shoes and Shoe Station. While other well-known brands can often be present in the same stores, there are often only a couple of models and often no awning name attached. However, Skechers has a powerful presence in these stores, especially in kid’s shoes.

Embiid could lace up future Skechers basketball models that might hit such stores. Imagine if Embiid dropped 50 points in a key playoff game while wearing a pair of Skechers shoes that could be had for around $100 or less and were available at a shoe store or Rack Room sneaker shop. This would give a baby who admires Embiid a likelihood to wear the very same shoe he wears, and allow a parent to buy a solid shoe at an inexpensive price.

Center Joel Embiid (left) and guard Kyle Lowry (right) of the Philadelphia 76ers react during the third quarter of their game against the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center on April 4 in Miami.

Megan Briggs/Getty Images

While the reported Embiid-Skechers deal is critical, it also shows that times have modified for athletes trying to sign with one in every of the top three shoe brands. Nike, Adidas and Jordan Brand used to have solid lineups that usually featured brand names and top NBA players. When you have a look at the top NBA players today, you will see that they are represented by a large number of brands, from Puma to Converse to New Balance to Chinese brands like Li-Ning, Anta, and 361 degrees. Names related to these brands include NBA champions reminiscent of Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Kyrie Irving.

A big a part of a lot of these deals is that the Big Three once signed these marquees. Irving and Jokić each signed with Nike in some unspecified time in the future during their careers before deciding to work with Chinese brands. Jokić left Nike in December 2023 after winning the NBA Finals and joined 361 Degrees as a signature athlete along with his own shoe and became a worldwide brand ambassador. Irving’s cope with Anta entrusted him with the position of creative director. Hall of Famer Dwyane Wade was once the face of Converse and Jordan Brand before joining Li-Ning. He transformed the Way of Wade brand into one in every of hottest Chinese brands On the court.

With Embiid reportedly joining an analogous brand at Skechers, it shows that what was once a market with only a couple of options for a major sponsorship deal is now wide open. When athletes are considering where to sign, they are not just searching for signature shoes or exclusive player editions. Players are searching for greater advantages, reminiscent of fractional ownership, and how these deals will help them in the long term. People talk less and less about the shoe company and more about the player and his brand.

Time will tell what is going to come of the reports about Embiid and Skechers’ relationship. But if what Curry has with Under Armor or what Irving is constructing with Anta is any indication, Skechers and Embiid will certainly deliver a really unique signature shoe and experience worthy of a player of Embiid’s stature.


This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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An attempt to save the image of Jeff Bezos’ future wife backfired after weeks of outrage and ridicule over her skimpy outfit

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Lauren Sánchez has apparently gained a popularity for her fashion hits and misses as social media users began following her every move.

Billionaire Jeff Bezos’ current fiancée stepped into the highlight long before she met the Amazon co-founder, after years spent as co-host of “Good Day LA,” a reporter for “Extra” and host of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and he even starred in a number of movies like “Ted 2.”

She faced criticism for posting a sultry selfie in November in a negligee-inspired gown by designer Laura Basca. In October, the 54-year-old again faced backlash when she showed off her latex Halloween costume as Catwoman.

Now, weeks after being deemed “cheap” and tasteless, the founder of Black Ops Aviation has turn out to be a subject of discussion.

Jeff Bezos’ fiancée Lauren Sánchez shows off a “winter white” look, weeks after critics slammed her busty latex outfit. (Photos: @laurenwsanchez/Instagram, Theimagedirect.com via Page Six)

On December 5, Sánchez and the business mogul attended The New York Times’ DealBook event in New York City. For the occasion, she wore a white Alexander McQueen suit and a white lace corset. The beaming bride-to-be sent two mirror selfies of her outfit, which she signed: “winter white.”

One follower particularly was stunned by the whole look he ejaculated that she was “very attractive and beautiful, gorgeous and stunning, charming and fantastic young lady, sexy, charming, charming and elegant” in the photos that Sánchez took.

Two other people swooned over the photos and wrote: “So chic and elegant!” and “You look great.” But as you would possibly expect from online viewers, not everyone was impressed.

When Page six published paparazzi photos from the trip, the critic commented: “It’s 30 degrees in New York and she gets out of the limo in a white Miami smock, her bra visible to everyone. No taste. Nothing. A cashmere turtleneck, flannel trousers and a wool jacket can be classy.

Someone else sharply asked: “Who can be the first to tell her that she looks tacky and not elegant and refined? Does she even know what sophistication means? A 3rd person noted: “She looks more like she’s wearing a bathrobe.”

Another person wrote in a comment from a licensed pilot: “White means…” possibly referring to rumors that Sánchez and Bezos are scheduled to exchange vows over Christmas. At least one person doubted the couple would have the opportunity to say “I do.” This person said: “This will be the longest engagement ever. They will NEVER get married and we all know why!!!!”

Sánchez told the “Today” show hosts that she was in the process of planning the big day last month. She didn’t comment on speculation about exchanging Christmas vows.

Renewed interest and scrutiny of Sánchez has increased as the pair have been spotted in various locations in recent months. The couple reportedly began dating in 2018. Their engagement was announced five years later, in May 2023. Their upcoming wedding can be a second journey for each of them.

Sánchez was previously married to celebrity agent Patric Whitesell, with whom she has two children. She can be the mother of a son, whom she shares with Pro Football Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez. Bezos was married to the mother of his three children, Mackenzie Scott, for 25 years once they divorced in 2019.


This article was originally published on : atlantablackstar.com
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Apart from the song with singer-songwriter India Shawn – Andscape

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India Shawn is a contemporary muse with a chilled nature, crafting love stories and heartfelt tales in smooth, charming songs. With over a decade of experience in the music industry as a singer-songwriter, Shawn has incredible strength. She was born in Los Angeles, and her musical roots reach throughout the country. Beginning her profession in her hometown, Shawn eventually found herself in Atlanta, where she immersed herself in the city’s deep-rooted R&B scene, further shaping her artistry.

“I transferred to ATL, I was in 10th grade, and that’s when my music journey really started,” Shawn told Andscape. “I met people who were trying to get by, so I ended up recording and learned what songwriting was really early on.”

Before releasing her debut EP in 2012, Shawn wrote songs and collaborated with artists similar to Chris Brown, El DeBarge, Keri Hilson and Monica. In 2013, she gained much more notoriety when Solange Knowles published her song “I’m Alive” on the Saint Heron compilationmarking her as an artist value watching.

Following the release of the single “There Must Be a God” from the Andscape soundtrack, she caught up with Shawn to learn more about the muse behind the vibes.


Singer India Shawn grew up singing in church with her family. “I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” she said.

India Shawn

Name:
India Shawn

Hometown:

Los Angeles

Artistic soundscape

Airy, soft, telling a story, multidimensional, soft, mysterious, atmospheric

The oldest musical memory

Shawn’s soulful sound is deeply rooted in her upbringing, with influences drawn from her childhood memories and the musical culture of her church. “I sing with my sister all the time, and I also grew up singing behind my mom in church. She was the leader of praise and worship. So I feel like most of us R&B kids have that experience,” Shawn said. “I had these little solos in church, and I believe what made me consider in it was that after the service people got here as much as me with tears of their eyes and said, ‘You really moved me while you sang.’ “These early moments of connection with music and audiences laid the foundation for conveying depth and sensitivity through her music.

Influences

For Shawn, music, especially R&B, has all the time held a special place in her life. “Me and my sister are harmonizing in the living room, just picking some of our favorite songs, including for me Mariah Carey, Babyface, Boyz II Men and (and) Brandy,” she said of her early music memories.

Creative process

Shawn often draws inspiration from real-life experiences and relationships that influence her music. She weaves this into the authenticity and atmosphere of her songs, but she didn’t immediately recognize where her inspiration got here from. “It’s funny that it took me so long to make that connection, but I realized that I was telling my whole story and presenting my business through my music,” she said. “It took me two albums to realize, wait a minute, I’m giving people a lot to understand here… these aren’t just songs. This is truly the life I live.”

Challenges and development

As Shawn’s profession grows, so do his moments of appreciation and reflection. “I literally just thought about a very gradual progression of my career. It’s like step by step, but there are more breakthrough moments. My first tour, which was so beautiful, I just knew I could pack a room and people knew my lyrics and sang my songs to me. Those moments that make the waiting not in vain.”

Shawn has plenty of recommendation for up-and-coming singer-songwriters. Her biggest sacrifice? Collaboration is essential. “I think (cooperation) is really why I’m still here. So find your people… you’ll know when it feels right, you’ll have that freedom and fluidity, and you’ll be able to really create things and create without having to think too much.” He also shares the importance of patience. “Just be patient during the journey. This has been a theme throughout my profession. Let it develop. I feel like more things come from being in that flow and being present reasonably than forcing all of it.

Current project

There should be a God”, the lead single from Andscape , now streaming on Hulu, also serves as a teaser for Shawn’s solo album. “(This song) is such a manifestation of God’s love,” she said. “I think when you find yourself in a place of waiting, you can feel very hopeless. So when you see glimpses of God’s love again, or the fact that you know there is a higher power, there is a source that is thinking about you, has you in mind, has a perfect plan for you, it’s just like the clouds parting. And this is the moment, I understand. I understand that I had to go through all this to get here. And that’s exactly what I felt in the studio that day.”

Sheila Matthews is a digital producer at Andscape and a proud HBCU graduate. She believes “Return of the Mack” must have won a Grammy, and her Twitter mentions are open to all debate.

This article was originally published on : andscape.com
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ICYMI: Tessa Thompson’s Mocha Lip, Danielle Brooks’ Updo and More – Essence

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With just a number of weeks left until the tip of 2024, the celebrities are setting the tone for the brand new 12 months this week. And although mocha mousse is anticipated to be fashionable in 2025, neutral shades in darker tones have gotten more and more popular. Paired with an array of beauty eras – from elegant Twenties updos to 2000s-style round pink, the brand new Hollywood showcases its best 12 months-end beauty moments.

Tessa Thompson and Issa Rae are the newest to debut mocha lips holiday shade near the season, and Coco Jones’ lipstick was cranberry red. Doechii’s perforated suggestions and signature face-lift tape made it probably the most avant-garde look of the week, and within the sweetest moment, Chloe and Halle Bailey’s round pink cheeks made pink cheeks a winter styling staple.

From makeup to hairstyles, Sabrina Elba and Alva Claire opted for light, coffee colours, and Jourdan Dunn’s short hairstyle proved relevant at any time of the 12 months. Meanwhile, Lupita N’yongo, Danielle Brooks and Venus Williams’ braided buns showed just how classic this style may be.

In case you missed it, take a take a look at 17 of the very best celebrity beauty moments from the week below.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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