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Nigel Sylvester Hits Home With Air Jordan 4 “Driveway” Collaboration — Andscape

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4 months ago

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Over the past decade, BMX rider Nigel Sylvester has been riding bikes around the globe while constructing his unique brand as a content creator, fashion influencer and social philanthropist.

However, Sylvester has not forgotten the start of his profession, which began within the Laurelton section of Jamaica, Queens, New York — or more precisely, within the driveway of his grandmother’s house, where he learned to ride a motorcycle.

Sylvester’s unmistakable athletic roots come to life in his latest sneaker project for Jordan Brand: the “Driveway Grey” Air Jordan 4 RM, which went on sale Thursday for $160 a pair. On July 20, Sylvester’s Jordan 4 collaboration debuted in a limited-edition “Fence Green” colorway, also inspired by his grandmother’s home. Creatively directed by Sylvester, his passion project has been within the works for greater than a 12 months after Jordan Brand tapped the BMX pro to star in the brand new RM — short for RestoMod, a portmanteau of restaurant modification — of the long-lasting Air Jordan 4 silhouette.

BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester’s love of cycling began at his grandmother’s house within the Jamaica neighborhood of Queens, New York.

Jordan Brand

“The best days were spent in my grandmother’s driveway,” Sylvester told Andscapein in late 2022. “Those were the days when my curiosity was at its peak and I wanted to express myself on a bike. Whether it was on my big wheel or, as I got a little older, on a little 16-inch. And then it just grew from there. It went from hobby to love to obsession. Every free moment, every free moment, I was riding my bike.”

Sylvester’s version of the Air Jordan 4 notably swaps out the unique 1989 “Nike Air” typography on the heels of every shoe to officially introduce his own signature “Bike Air” branding. The phrase and concept were born around 2021, when Sylvester left his longtime partnership with Nike’s SB division to affix Jordan Brand, inspired by how he gained attention in sneaker culture together with his debut Air Jordan collaboration in 2018. Officially signing on as Jordan Brand’s first and only BMX sponsor was a milestone for Sylvester, a Caribbean American who’s the son of immigrants from Grenada. He still vividly remembers receiving his first bike.

The Air Jordan 4 RM “Driveway Grey” is the second colorway released in collaboration between BMX athlete Nigel Sylvester and Jordan Brand.

Jordan Brand

The heel features the “Bike Air” logo, a tribute to BMX rider Nigel Sylvester’s cycling roots.

Jordan Brand

“My dad bought me a 1998 or ’99 Mongoose Sniper,” Sylvester told Andscape. “It was all black. It had chrome handlebars, chrome forks, alloy wheels, red and yellow decals.”

With the introduction of the “Driveway” 4s, Sylvester teamed up together with his sponsor, Specialized Bicycle Components, to introduce the primary Air Jordan-branded BMX bike, limited to a production run of just 17 models, inspired by the wheels of his childhood. Sylvester wrote and starred within the business for the shoe, which was filmed at the house where his grandmother lived. The 90-second spot, which featured former actress Jo Marie Payton as Sylvester’s grandmother, has since appeared in each Times Square and Citi Field.

“My first real BMX bike was everything to me, man,” Sylvester told Andscape. “I took the brakes off and rode up to my buddies in the park and I was like, ‘Hey, look at my new bike.’ It was one of those feelings I’ll never forget. I feel like that was my real introduction to BMX.”

Sylvester made probably the most of his debut BMX bike, zipping around New York City on two wheels and developing his eye for fashion and footwear, which eventually earned him skilled endorsements and collaborations with notable brands similar to Kith, New Era, Oakley, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Moncler, Nike and Jordan.

“Growing up in Jamaica, Queens, I would go out and ride around different neighborhoods, and I would see all these different influences on how people wore their sneakers,” Sylvester told Andscape. “How people dressed in Uptown, compared to Brooklyn, Queens, and the Lower East Side. Seeing all these different things, I would naturally take something from there and flip it. I would take something from there and flip it. And it just evolved throughout my life and career. Now I’ve gotten to a place where I know what works for me.”

The “Fence Green” colorway was the primary Air Jordan 4 RM to hit the market.

Jordan Brand

Around the time he turned pro in BMX at age 18, Sylvester signed his first footwear sponsorship with Nike in 2005. But it wasn’t until one other decade later that Sylvester got his first likelihood to design a sneaker. In March 2014, Sylvester and the Swoosh released the “SOMP” (“Standing On My Pedals”) Nike SB Dunk High. Original pairs now fetch as much as $3,500 on sneaker resale platforms. By 2015, Sylvester had captured the world’s attention with the launch of his digital lifestyle and travel video series, GO. Co-directed by BMX athlete and director/photographer Harrison Boyce, GO garnered greater than 100 million views in five years, setting the stage and marketplace for Sylvester’s expanded sponsorship profile.

“I don’t remember when I first saw Nigel, but I remember he got this Nike Sportswear campaign and they put billboards of him in New York,” Boyce told Andscape. “I know it was a big moment for Nigel, but it was also a really big moment for BMX. Only skateboarders had that kind of exposure before. So I was happy that a big brand like Nike was recognizing a BMX athlete like Nigel in that kind of role. Nike was just presenting him as a person. That was the first moment where I felt like Nigel was different.”

Different is probably probably the most apt description of Sylvester’s debut collaboration with the Jordan brand, which resulted within the OG Air Jordan 1 High from August 2018.

“Being able to collaborate on the Jordan 1, which is my favorite shoe, and tell the story of how my shoes get worn out when I’m riding my bike, was a game-changer,” Sylvester told Andscape. “It was definitely a moment. I was so happy.”

For their first collaborative shoe, Sylvester and Jordan Brand took on the ambitious challenge of recreating, and ultimately mass-producing, a pair that looked and felt like a number of the Air Jordans he’d essentially destroyed on his bike during his travels around the globe. Sylvester provided Jordan with personal sneakers, notably an old pair of Shadow 1s, and photos illustrating just how worn his shoes could get. And with that inspiration, the brand’s design team set to work.

BMX rider Nigel Sylvester shows off each colorways of his Air Jordan 4 RM shoes.

Jordan Brand

“It was just about being myself,” Sylvester told Andscape. “I’ll put on my Jordans, I’ll ride in them, and they’ll naturally wear out because of what I do. My bike doesn’t have brakes. So when I have to stop, my foot hits the ground or my tire digs in. So the shoes naturally wear out. Being able to take that story and share it with the brand and the world, I was just honored and grateful for that first opportunity.”

The BMX pro still remembers the moment then-Jordan footwear designer Frank Cooke first showed him the ultimate Air Jordan 1 “Nigel Sylvester” shoe.

“We were actually editing and Frank Cooke called me on FaceTime and said, ‘Hey, it’s here. It’s done,’” Sylvester recalled. “I said, ‘Send me the shoe right now. FedEx it and send it to me as soon as possible!’ I got it a few days later and I was blown away. It looked so beautiful, man. I couldn’t believe it. Honestly, my collaboration with the Air Jordan 1 changed my life.”

More than five years after his debut Air Jordan, Sylvester returns with two more Air Jordan 4 designs, telling the story of the house and elders who helped result in that defining moment in his life when he received his first BMX bike.

“When I think about my family and my parents leaving Granada and how brave they were to come to New York to take advantage of this opportunity, it means everything to me,” Sylvester told Andscape. “I’m proud of them because I understand the sacrifice that comes with leaving your home and your comfort zone to go on a whole new journey. I channel that energy. I have my whole career. Because for me, it’s always been that mindset that I’m not going to fail. That I’m going to achieve whatever I set my mind to because of the people who sacrificed so much for me to get here.”

Sylvester hasn’t managed to destroy the Air Jordan project just yet. And it doesn’t appear to be his relentless sneaker ride shall be halted anytime soon.

“I’d like to touch a Jordan 3 someday,” Sylvester told Andscape. “Maybe someday.”

Aaron Dodson is a sports and culture author at Andscape. He primarily covers sneakers/apparel and hosts the platform’s Sneaker Box video series. During Michael Jordan’s two seasons with the Washington Wizards within the early 2000s, the Air Jordan 9 “Flint” kicked off his passion for footwear.

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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3 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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3 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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3 days ago

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December 9, 2024

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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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