This Is What 50 Looks Like // Veronica Webb

I'd like to give a slow clap to the gorgeous Veronica Webb for continuing to slay as she celebrates a milestone birthday. Emoting a strong and confident woman in an afro and feminine clothing, Webb fronts Sophie Theallet Spring 2016 campaign photographed by Tiziano Magni.

 

Styled by Jenke Tailly; Hair by Leonardo Manetti; Make-up by Daniel Martin

Concept Design // Bluepanelshoe

This art-turned-fashion shoe by Dutch designer Marloes ten Bhömer is one for my mantel, if I had one. After researching “the cultural connotations of women’s footwear, as well as the way high heels are constructed,” Bhömer created the “Bluepanelshoe.” 

This eccentric creation consists of a piece of leather which moulded to contour the wearer’s foot and a piece of steel that is attached to create a heel, is one of 17 concept pumps based on movement.  

According to an article in Dezeen, Bhomer, “takes into account the way high heels stike the lateral side of the foot to propel the wearer forward.” In turn she wants to disrupt the role in which high heels play in our society.

Look for her work at the Coded_Couture exhibit on 12 February 2016 through April 30, 2016 at Pratt Manhattan Gallery in NYC.

Me and 'My Adidas'

With all these Adidas collaborations going on, the latest being the already sold-out Kanye West Yeezy Boosts, I fell victim to my own peer pressure to have a another piece of the legendary brand. No I didn't pay $350 for Kanye's below. I put down $90 for something more original and classic — The Adidas Superstars!

You know them oh too well. White shell toe with an all leather upper, a non-scuffing rubber sole and  three glorious stripes. The shoe available in low and hightop versions was and is the epitome of classic cool. Launched in 1969 and marketed to basketball players throughout the 70s, the shoe quickly monopolized the league. By end of end of the decade, 75% of the NBA teams were playing in  the performance lines. 

And then ...drum roll ... RUN DMC, who wore the shoes with the tongues out, rapped about them in their 1986 song "My Adidas," as a rebuttal to the haters who weren't feeling the urban look that involved Adidas gear, Kangos and gold chains. One song and thousands of followers later, the Superstars became a household accessory. The group eventually signed a $1 million dollar endorsement deal (though that wasn't the case at first) and the rest is history. 

To read more about others who played a significant role in the lines history check out High Snobiety. For insider info regarding new Superstar collabs join the Adidas Superstar Facebook page. In the meantime, I'm gonna throw on my track jacket, put in some big gold hoops and rock 'My Adidas' literally and figuratively.