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In pictures: Recline in partnership with adidas Originals launches the Falcon

We've teamed up with adidas Originals South Africa for the release of the Falcon - a silhouette which first made its debut in the '90s paying homage to the attitude of the time; strong creatives who shifted boundaries and paved the path for future rebels to walk forth with. Now, in 2018, the Falcon has once again made its debut, this time alongside ‘90s-born Kylie Jenner as the face of the newly released Falcon campaign. Jenner has subverted the expectations placed on young women by establishing herself as a leader in the business industry and a creative visionary who refuses to allow anything to stand in her way. Both Jenner and the Falcon are fearless, unapologetically loud and boldly confident. To celebrate the launch of the Falcon, we threw it back to the ‘90s: think old school ice cream truck, stickers, an illustrator with plenty retro flavour featuring deliberate and bold colour choices, ‘90s kids like Moozlie Mabena and Lindi XO and even Loveslave Phola - a DJ who specialises in music from the ‘90s.  

First things first - get yourself signed up to join the next event by clicking here. 

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Recline x adidas Originals Featuring Loveslave Phola & Hannah Shone

Recline is back on Thursday, 6 September and this time, it’s going down at our brand new location in Braamfontein (73 Juta Street). We’ve partnered up with adidas Originals to celebrate the launch the highly anticipated women’s exclusive Falcon, where you can catch local DJ Loveslave Phola on decks and grab 1 of 20 A4 prints of the Falcon by illustrator Hannah Shone. 

Specialising in 90s music, Loveslave Phola, will be holding down the night from start to finish and providing the musical landscape for the evening. 

Archive: How would you describe your style? 

Loveslave Phola: I would describe my genre of music as ‘utopia’.  

Archive: Where can we catch you when you're not on the decks at Recline?

Loveslave Phola: You can catch me at the Castle Lite Hip Hop Herstory event on 8 September. 

Archive: What music can we expect from you on the night?

Loveslave Phola: A lot of old school, hip-hop and future beats.  

Archive: What's the best set you've ever done? 

Loveslave Phola: My best set/s have hands down been at The Wknd Social. You can listen to one of the sets here.  

Archive: Where can we catch you on social media or check out your sounds?

Loveslave Phola: You can catch me Instagram @loveslavephola [or] you can listen to my mixes on Mixcloud. 

-- 

Hannah Shone is an illustrator and graphic designer travelling frequently between Hong Kong and Johannesburg. As a keen lover of youth & street culture, she draws inspiration for her work from her environment and peers, and considers deliberate colour choices and strong art direction key characteristics of her work.

Archive: What are you best known for and how would you describe your style? 

Hannah Shone: I could probably boil down the work I'm known for to my last two big projects. The first, Fantasma (2017), was my second-ever solo exhibition and was surprisingly well received (I'm big into self-doubt). The second, which has been widely spread due to the nature of the project, is the album artwork I produced for Cape Town-based folk/ dream pop/ indie band Diamond Thug's debut album, Apastron. A good way to describe what I illustrate and the style in which I illustrate is that they're my daydreams brought to life. They're whimsical, adventurous, astute and somewhat obscure. I work both digitally and by hand, with the latter probably being my preferred method. 

Archive: What's the best project you've ever worked on?

Hannah Shone: The Diamond Thug project was hands down the best I've worked on to date. I conceptualised and developed thirteen original illustrations (one for each track on the album and one for the cover) which can now be found on tote bags, prints, iTunes and Spotify and, at the end of this month, a vinyl with an accompanying lyric book, also designed and illustrated by yours truly.

Archive: Who would resonate with your art?

Hannah Shone: I think people who have a dark, witty sense of humour would appreciate my work the most. The titles of my pieces have a lot to say about the headspace I was in when I created each one respectively, and in that sense I think it makes them relatable to people who are similar to me, but also those who are not. 

Archive: What can we expect on the night of your live illustration/art installation?

Hannah Shone: On the night of my live illustration, you can expect me to totally zone into my materials. I love painting with ink, and the process of illustrating with it is quite consuming for me. 

Archive: Where can we catch you on social media or check out more of your work? 

Hannah Shone: For a better idea of the spectrum of work I've produced, you can take a look at my website (hannahshone.com) and my Instagram feed for a pretty good idea of how I interpret the world around me.

-- Hannah will be creating 1 x framed print exclusively for the store and 20 xA4 prints of the Falcon W, which will be take away gifts for purchases of the sneakers on the night.

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Kylie Jenner Steps into the adidas Originals Fam wearing the new Falcon

1997 was seminal as a year during which two icons were born. The first, the adidas Originals Falcon Dorf runner. A shoe which paid homage to the attitude of the time; strong creatives who shifted boundaries and paved the path for future rebels to walk forth with. The second was Kylie Jenner; one of the most-recognized people on the planet. Beauty boss, entrepreneur, and style icon, Jenner has subverted the expectations placed on young women by establishing herself as a business mogul and a creative visionary who refuses to allow anything to stand in her way.

Now, Jenner and Falcon join forces in honor of adidas Originals, with the icon debuting in the brand’s Falcon campaign. Falcon’s blueprint, the Falcon Dorf, came-of-age in the late 90s as a daring statement injected into the pinnacle of an era where women weren’t afraid to break the rules and speak their truths. With its groundbreaking design, this silhouette pushed the boundaries of what a sports shoe could be with its fashion-forward edge.

“I love 90s style,” reveals Jenner. “it’s really inspired many of the color choices in my beauty collections. These looks are definitely a throwback to that time”

Mined from the adidas Originals archives, two-decades on, Falcon is reborn for a new generation. Whilst holding tight to these core values that established it as a revolutionary force, Falcon is fresh and evolved in a grey, pink, black, and blue colorway.

Its maximalist design seamlessly pairs with Jenner’s own desire for striking palettes and bold designs, with key features including a paneled construction in classic mesh and suede overlays, a molded heel unit, and reflective detailing. The rubber midsole ties the Falcon together, with juxtaposing accents of color on the forefoot and heel to create a confident silhouette that bridges 90s nostalgia with modern energy.

The Falcon’s bold attitude is in sync with Jenner’s way of life – a mindset which has propelled her beauty business and established her as a cultural icon.  It’s a shoe that knows that the only way to make an impact – and have some fun – is by taking risks. 

The Falcon campaign will launch globally on 6 Sept 2018 and will be available in-store at selected Archive stores and online at www.archivestore.co.za. 

CANAL WALK CAVENDISH V&A WATERFRONT LIBERTY PROMENADE GREENACRES LOCH LOGAN SMALL STREET MENLYN PARK VAAL MALL EAST RAND MALL SPRINGS MALL SHORT MARKET STREET BALLITO JUNCTION TABLE BAY MALL RICHARDS BAY FESTIVAL MALL RIVERSIDE MALL 73 JUTA STREET, BRAAMFONTEIN HOEK STREET BLUE ROUTE SOMERSET

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August 2018 releases

Wednesday, 1 August 

Jordan XXXII Low ‘Wing It’ 

Thursday, 2 August 

Women’s PUMA Thunder Desert 

Nike Air More Money 

Nike Air Max 270 ‘Triple Black’   

adidas Originals P.O.D s3.1  

Friday, 3 August 

Vans x Van Gogh Museum

Saturday, 4 August 

Men’s Jordan Retro 5 ‘International Flight’

Junior Jordan Retro XII "Light Aqua"

Air Jordan Olive Future 

Wednesday, 8 August 

Nike Air VaporMax Flyknit Utility 

Friday, 10 August 

Nike Air Max Penny 1 'White Metallic' 

DATE TBC 

Air VaporMax Plus 'USA'

Air VaporMax Plus 'USA'

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Vans' latest capsule collection pays homage to Vincent van Gogh’s most iconic work

Vans Partners with the  Van Gogh Museum Amsterdam to Release Exclusive Collaboration

Vans and the Van Gogh Museum partnered up to present an artfully designed collection utilizing Van Gogh masterpieces across iconic Vans Classics and premium apparel silhouettes, which will be available worldwide 3 August. The Van Gogh Museum will dedicate a portion of its profits from this project to the preservation of Vincent van Gogh’s legacy and collection of art; keeping it accessible for future generations.

Vincent van Gogh is arguably one of the most famous and influential post-impressionist painters in the history of western art. Van Gogh is most noted for his work that evokes beauty, emotion and color bringing his personal expression to life through his art. 

With over 2,100 pieces of artwork produced from his decade long career, Vans worked closely with the Van Gogh Museum team to select four main bodies of work that speaks to the creative ethos of Vans’ design as well as personal moments from the artist familial history. Skull, Almond Blossom, Sunflowers and Van Gogh’s self-portrait are celebrated through an extensive Vans collection, showcasing some of Van Gogh’s most revered artwork in a new way.

“We are delighted with the Vans x Van Gogh Museum collection, as it ties in with our mission to make the life and work of Vincent van Gogh accessible to as many people as possible in order to enrich and inspire them”, said Adriaan Dönszelmann, Managing Director of the Van Gogh Museum. “By uniting Van Gogh’s iconic artworks with iconic Vans styles, our partnership brings Vincent’s art “Off The Wall” and into the world to a new audience outside the museum.”

When Van Gogh began to formally study art, he centered his focus around color theory through a series of skeletons that captured shade and light in an irreverent and dark expression. These studies have come to life across the vamps of the Classic Slip-On, long sleeve tee and hat with Van Gogh’s human skull placed expertly across each silhouette with subtle details of the artist’s handwriting and brush strokes hidden in a re-imagined checkerboard print.

More colourful renditions come from two of Van Gogh’s most recognized works, Sunflowers and Almond Blossom. Van Gogh created five large canvases that depicted sunflowers in a vase using three shades of yellow to help demonstrate the ability to create an image with varying degrees of color and texture all while using single color tones. The Sunflowers painting has been dissected to cover every panel of the Authentic and is carried through to the Sunflower Boyfriends Tee and the Sunflower Hoodie. Almond Blossom symbolizes new life and represents Van Gogh’s search for serenity, and to bring the print and its colors to life, Vans designers digitally printed Van Gogh’s painting atop a satin material to cover the Almond Blossom Bomber, hat and backpack.

The collection showcases the evolution of Van Gogh’s painting style with his self-portrait where he captures himself using bright, unblended colors and a new technique of pairing complimentary colors to create depth and intensity. Van Gogh’s self-portrait can be found wrapped atop the Authentic and a complimenting Van Gogh Oversized Tee.

Each footwear model from the Vans x Van Gogh Museum is finished with custom footbed art that mimics Van Gogh’s memorable brush strokes with the Van Gogh Museum and Vans logo lock-up. Each piece from the collection will also include a special hangtag that highlight historical facts behind each piece of Vincent Van Gogh’s art.

The Vans x Van Gogh Museum collection will be available to shop online at www.archivestore.co.za and at selected Archive stores from Friday, 3 August: Shortmarket Street (Cape Town), Small Street (Johannesburg), Vaal Mall and Canal Walk. 

Sign up for our newsletter to stay up to date with the latest news and releases here. 

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PUMA DISRUPTS WITH THE THUNDER DESERT PACK FOR WOMEN IN TONAL COLOURWAYS

The Thunder wave continues to disrupt as PUMA releases the latest instalment in the sport fashion chunky sneaker range – the Thunder Desert.

While the debut Thunder Spectra took on a bold statement with its retro colour blocking and neon pops, the new Thunder Desert comes in a subdued look with a tonal colour scheme that mimics the hues of the desert at dusk. Still very expressive, it retains the signature exaggerated tooling, blown-up proportions and material mix of premium suede, textured leather and mesh.

The Thunder pays homage to past collabs and silhouettes ahead of their time. Inspired by 90s Cell System running silhouettes and the PUMA x McQueen collaboration, the style is a reimagined pair of kicks with a bulky, unapologetic look and feel.

Dropping worldwide on August 2 for R2 299, the Thunder Desert for women will be available at selected Archive stores and online at www.archivestore.co.za.

For the latest news and events, sign up for our newsletter here.

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WOMEN’S JORDAN UPCOMING LAUNCHES

Jordan’s always been around but up until recently, it seemed like a male dominated space. You’d see women rocking their Jordans - only if they could find their fit. Early in 2018, you probably saw Jordan siding with artist SZA, which made you feel like Jordan is more accessible to women (in all parts of the world except for here), but as unattainable as ever. Luckily, we’ve got great news: we’ve launched a Jordan space dedicated to the ladies. Scroll down to check out our selection and for a view of what’s coming and sign up for our newsletter here for more of the latest. 

JORDAN BURGUNDY RETRO 1 LOW | 6 JULY

Canal Walk Shopping Centre, V & A Waterfront, Vaal Mall, Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre, East Rand Mall.

JORDAN  RETRO 1 HIGH PREMIUM SNAKESKIN| 6 JULY

Canal Walk Shopping Centre, V & A Waterfront, Vaal Mall, Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre, East Rand Mall. 

AIR JORDAN BORDEAUX 1 HIGH ZIP | 13 JULY

All Archive stores. 

   AIR JORDAN OLIVE FUTURE | 4 AUGUST

All Archive stores.

AIR JORDAN 1 BLACK/GYM RED HIGH ZIP | 10 AUGUST  

All Archive stores. 

AIR JORDAN  POWER OF 1 EXPLORER | 10 AUGUST 

All Archive stores.

JORDAN RETRO 1 HIGH PREMIUM | 10 AUGUST

Canal Walk Shopping Centre, V & A Waterfront, Vaal Mall, Liberty Promenade Shopping Centre, East Rand Mall. 

JORDAN FATIGUE POWER OF 1 EXPLORER | 10 AUGUST

All Archive stores. 

AIR JORDAN BORDEAUX FUTURE | 11 AUGUST

All Archive stores.

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PUMA and Shantell Martin release second collection

Renowned artist Shantell Martin has created a language of lines. At once whimsical and profound, her thought-provoking and memorable world of characters and messages bridges the gap between fine art, performance art, and everyday life. Born in London and currently based in New York, Martin’s art is inspired by her travels and the people she meets. Her lines and words depict the daily stories of ordinary people and things, and somehow she interprets them in an extraordinary way.

Following her debut collection with PUMA last year, that predominantly featured a monotone palette, the second collection bears her signature illustrations and lettering with a vibrant mix of colours for a ‘90s rave-inspired feel.

Premium materials, pops of colour, and intricate details stand out in this collection for the unique, the bold, and the playful. Collection pieces are adorned with catch phrases coined by Martin like “Find Your Way” and “One, Two, Free” between hand drawn intricate lines and shapes. PUMA’s classic styles and new silhouettes stand out like works of art.

The latest PUMA x Shantell Martin collection drops on 21 July at selected Archive stores. 

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ICYMI: Recline IX x New Balance Recap

Just when you thought Recline events couldn’t get better- it did!

There aren’t many things that can get Capetonians to leave their winter caves but a new sneaker launch will do just that. On 29 June 2018 sneaker loving cool kids gathered at Archive Short Market Street to celebrate the launch of the New Balance 247 V2 ‘Flavours’ pack. The sneaker has the original NB 247 DNA but is now popping with colour.

Guests were treated to three delicious signature dishes by Chef Keanon Micheal inspired by the sneakers that form the Flavours pack. The coolest part was that you could see him prepare the dishes and see how he beautifully presented them to be enjoyed.

Rebel Clef and JJ Fresh were there dropping flavourful beats while PURA and Darling Brew kept everyone refreshed. Caffeine lovers were catered for with a pop up Bootleggers that provided the warmth to beat the winter chill.

Be sure to sign up to the Archive newsletter to be on the guestlist for the next Recline.

-Kimberley Lombard

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Recline IX x New Balance ft JJ Fresh

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RECLINE IX x New Balance Flavours pack ft Rebel Clef

We’ve got just the waves you crave, a social setting that’ll be worth leaving the winters cave.

It’s that time again - Recline is back. So call up a friend or two, maybe six, New Balance are here with some slick new kicks (the 247 V2 Flavours pack, to be exact). To celebrate this sneaker launch, we are partnering up with Chef Keanon Jovan Michaels from Keanon’s Kitchen who’ll be whipping up three signature dishes inspired by the New Balance 247 V2 “Flavours Pack” and DJs Rebel Clef and JJ Fresh to drop some flavourful tracks.  

3 QUESTIONS FOR REBEL CLEF 

Archive: What are you best known for?

Rebel Clef: I'm probably best known for starting the "Cold Turkey" events and giving a platform to the unsung heroes of SA electronica and a next generation of underground artists.

Archive: Who would resonate with your sounds and how would you describe your style?

Rebel Clef: Anybody with an open mind/heart. My style’s adapt but I resonate with anything authentic or soulful. Music with soul and feeling but that still gets you moving, I normally wear my mind-state on my sleeve so I tend to bring that into my set curation. [I] often sneak in unreleased compositions too.  

Archive: Where can we catch you on social media? 

Rebel Clef: www.audioinput.co.za - I'm building a social media platform for the music industry... otherwise on all platforms as "Rebel Clef". Follow Rebel Clef on social media: http://www.audioinput.co.za/ https://soundcloud.com/rebelclef / https://twitter.com/iamrebelclef / https://facebook.com/iamrebelclef / https://www.instagram.com/rebelclef

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RECLINE IX x New Balance | ‘Flavours’ pack ft. Chef Keanon Michaels

We’ve got just the waves you crave, a social setting that’ll be worth leaving the winters cave.

It’s that time again - Recline is back. So call up a friend or two, maybe six, New Balance are here with some slick new kicks (the 247 V2 Flavours pack, to be exact). To celebrate this sneaker launch, we are partnering up with Chef Keanon Jovan Michaels from Keanon’s Kitchen who’ll be whipping up three signature dishes inspired by the New Balance 247 V2 “Flavours Pack”.

Q&A with Chef Keanon Michael’s 

Archive: What are you best known for?

Keanon: I’m best known for fine dining and just like my personality, my food is bold, my flavours are loud and my presentations are always captivating and captures your attention.

Archive:  Which brands have you worked with? 

Keanon: I have done food demonstrations and promotions for Barilla Pasta, and Easy Crispy foods. I have collaborated with Hoopenburg Wines and Delheim Wines. I’m currently working with Fat Bastard Wines for my next dinner & wine pairing event called Taste The Passion, a 20-seater chef’s table. The only title that means more to me than “Mr Michaels” is that of CHEF. It’s taken me 16 hour days, weeks, months, 17 years of blood and sweat to EARN the title of CHEF. This is how I like to addressed when on duty It’s a sign of respect to my culinary craft, same as you would address a doctor by his title at the hospital.

Archive: Who would resonate with your craft? 

Keanon: Food lovers, foodies, chefs, bloggers, photographers. 

Archive: How would you describe your style? 

Keanon: My style is a reflection of my travels abroad, my training, my mentor and what inspires me locally. I love contrast in flavours and textures constantly playing with the palate, this creates a different dining experience. I cook with the seasons this ensures I only use  the best produce available and this always inspire me to create new dishes or try different techniques.

Archive:  What can we expect on the night of Recline IX? 

Keanon: Delicious, seasonal, beautifully presented 3 food courses which will match each silhouette’s colour from the New Balance 247 Flavours pack. 

Archive: Where can we catch you on social media?  

Keanon: I’m on Facebook as Keanons Kitchen my Instagram is the same. 

Catch Chef Keanon Michaels at Recline IX from 6 - 8pm at Archive store in Shortmarket Street, Cape Town. In the meantime, check out one of his recipes via the Expresso Breakfast Show. 

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Adidas Continental 80 Rascal

Straight out of the three stripes never-ending archives comes the latest- Adidas Continental 80 Rascal (R1,599.00)

The vintage sneaker is the latest installment in the ‘YUNG series’ which dropped worldwide and in Archive on 20 June 2018.

The 1980s inspired model was inspired by indoor trainers but is also known for its similarity to the popular Yeezy Powerphase. Like the Powerphase the Continental 80 Rascal features the iconic retro-style logo box next to the laces and is constructed from premium leather. Unique elements of the Rascal include the two-tone red and navy webbing stripe and French terry lining completes the throwback feel.

A day after the release and the Rascal is already casusing waves on Instagram.

Cop yours in-store at Archive or online RN.

Images via Instagram

By: Kimberley Lombard

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Watch: K Naomi unboxes the Reebok Classic Nylon SP Nova

Archive: Your Instagram timeline is filled with motivational quotes, our favourite being the one you quoted by Michael Jackson "If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” Why did this quote in particular resonate with you? 

K Naomi: I’m always posting inspirational quotes because that’s how I keep myself motivated. This quote by Michael Jackson resonates with me because I feel like one of the most important aspects of living is to Love, and a lot of people don’t realize it but Love does make the world go round. Love is the foundation of many things whether it be personally or generally. When you know you are loved there’s a sense of security and confidence. I’m a big fan of Michael Jackson and a lot of what he did (career, family, personal or with fans) just resonated love. 

Archive: You’re rated one of the most well-dressed girls in South Africa. How will you be styling the Reebok Classic Nylon SP Nova? 

K Naomi: The Classic Nylons are a statement shoe, so they are already the focal point to my outfit. They can really be worn with anything but I like an all black or all denim look with a touch of white just to correlate with the white on the sneakers.

Archive: When anyone looks you up on Google, it’s easy to tell that you are so much more than just a TV personality. You're a graduate, aligned with three different global brands including Reebok - it's obvious there's a lot that young women can learn from you. What would you say were your greatest challenges you've had to overcome?

K Naomi: There’s on challenge that I still struggle to overcome, this is the loss of my mother. Other challenges definitely come under this one.

Some of the challenges I’ve faced would be making sacrifices and committing to choices that are not beneficial in the present but would be beneficial in the long run (leaps of faith). Growing up is a challenge, one is constantly finding things out about them self they either like or don’t. The list goes on, anything that requires you to grow is a challenge.

Archive: You’ve recently hosted self-defence classes in collaboration with Reebok. What is the most important thing you’ve learned from that?

K Naomi: I learnt how valuable women are to the world. 

Archive: You’ve graduated with a BA degree in brand building and management – how have you put these principles to use in your everyday life?

K Naomi: I work with brands all the time... 

Studying has really given me an advantage because I understand brands and have learnt to better understand my personal brand regarding its growth and value. Everything in life came from somewhere and with that type of thinking you really do invest time in appreciating a lot of things brand related.

Watch K Naomi unboxes the Reebok Classic Nylon SP  Nova 

Drops in two colourways at selected Archive stores on Monday, 4 June. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when it is available to shop online.  

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Meet Luca Williams, Archive’s resident unboxer.

Luca Williams is a Cape Town-based recording artist, producer and model – and the face of Archive, South Africa’s ultimate streetwear store. Although he graduated with a master’s in urban geography from the University of the Western Cape, he is first and foremost an artist – one who uses various mediums to understand people better and to respond to the relentless curiosity that drives him.

Luca been making music seriously since 2014. “Good music comes from a very honest place and honesty is something that resonates with everyone,” he says. Music allows him to be vulnerable. “It’s a vehicle, a translation, a language that gives me the appropriate and desired diction to express my authentic self.”

Putting out tracks through his record label, Sonecy, he’s “trying to paint an image out of sound,” he says – which is fitting, as he experiences chromesthesia (which is when the brain interprets sound in colour).

“My music is based on my visions of the future, and my place within the future. I’m preoccupied by space and time – time defines the space in which we find ourselves.”

When he makes his genre-defying music, he’s exploring what the future will sound like. Not just as a song – but things as ordinary and everyday as a door opening or a phone ringing. It should be no surprise, then, that he’s long been drawn to sci-fi – first watching movies like 2001: A Space Odyssey, The Matrix and Blade Runner when he was a kid. His other influences are wide ranging, from moody Parisian films and the James Bond flick Casino Royale to Hollywood songwriter Burt Bacharach. His eclectic sonic palette has evolved out of the songs he used to hear his sister playing: everything from N.E.R.D and Pharrell Williams to alt-rock such as the Arctic Monkeys, the White Lies and the White Stripes.

His artistic approach is inspired by the shinobis – secretive ninjas from medieval Japan. The idea that people feel and see your impact but never quite know who is responsible. Artistic adventures that are private, mysterious, obscure.

“I think it’s great when people judge you based on your ideation, not your identity,” he explains. “That allows people to engage you without any preconceived ideas.”

Fashion is an integral part of Luca’s life. Internationally, he’s appeared in front of the camera for Balenciaga: he was photographed by South African sharp shooter Pieter Hugo for the international luxury brand’s spring-summer 2017 campaign. Back home, he’s also modelled for 2Bop and Corner Store CPT (on local brands Sol-Sol and Young & Lazy), as well for Champion, which is exclusively available in South Africa from Sportscene.

Luca has also made his own clothes for a long time. When he was younger, he would make them in his bedroom at home, using his sister’s sewing machine.

“Making my own stuff is all about demystifying what makes design and creation wonderful – and that’s hugely rewarding,” he says. Next year, he’ll launch a new range: he’s currently crafting a few samples. “Function is a very big principle in my life – function as form,”  Luca, a big fan of utility wear, says.

“Clothes aren’t just clothes – they need to attend both to your aesthetic desires as well as your daily needs,” he says. Context is everything. Because he’s often in Long Street where pickpockets operate, his clothes tend to have hidden zips, for example.

The growing appeal of vintage sneakers resonates with him strongly. He believes this is because the sneakers of 20 years ago prioritised function as form – and this is once more beginning to be appreciated.

“People are recognising the value of function in your life again. People are choosing things for their lifestyle needs and requirements.”

Of course, sneakers have huge cultural significance too. Not only are they intrinsically intertwined with the evolution of hip hop, globally, they carry weight far closer to home too. In Mitchells Plain, where he grew up, Nike was a potent symbol of success; it was what he and other kids aspired to. Wearing Nike today – such as his current favourite, the Triple Black Nike Air Maxes – are a powerfully nostalgic reminder of where he came from, his roots, and the dreams he had as an excited seven-year-old opening up the box of his first Nike Courts.

He has 15 sneakers in current use and a total of 35 on the shelf.  As he says: “I like buying high quality – I don’t need quantity.”

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Recline VIII x Vans x Lazy Oaf

Recline this month was one for the ladies. 

We’ve teamed up with Vans SA for an exclusive pre-launch of the Vans x Lazy Oaf collab at our monthly kick back on Friday, 4 May. Scroll down to read more and sign up to join us at the next Recline event here. 

Exclusive pre-launch Vans x Lazy Oaf

Live painting and illustrated prints by Kaylin Car 

Sounds for the evening by Miss BEX | Kay Faith 

Art installation and creative memorabilia by Kaylin Car 

Refreshments fit for a ‘Lazy Oaf’  

You’re the heart and sole of sneakers in the city and we want to make sure that you’re there, so you can school anyone looking to someday walk in your kicks. Sign up here to join Recline.  

WATCH: Full event recap 

About the artist | Q&A with Kaylin Car 

A: What are you best known for? 

KC: If I’m entirely honest, having way too many sneakers but, also because I’m pretty good with a paint brush.

A: Which brands have you previously collaborated with? 

KC: Over the past couple of years I’ve been fortunate enough to work with a few brands (ranging) from Nike, Hunting for Kicks, to Supremebeing. I’ve also had the opportunity to have collaborated with some local brands such as Lost Property. 

A: Who would resonate with your art? 

KC: I guess if you’re into street wear fashion and sneaker culture in general then it would hit a note with you. I’ve spent most of life obsessing over art, design and sneakers. I think that sums it up.

A: Where can we catch you on social media? 

KC: Instagram @Kaylin_Car | Twitter: @Kaylin_Car

A: Do you have a Behance profile? 

KC: Nah, but you can find my online portfolio here. You can also find some of my work and prints here. 

A: What can we expect on the night of your live illustration? 

KC: I’ll definitely be doing something with water colour paint. 

A: How do you identify yourself: illustrator, artist,graphic designer? 

KC: I don’t have one set skill, I can pretty much do anything I set my mind on, from illustrating to painting I have a background in fashion and can sew entire garments. I’ve also gotten to exhibit along side some really cool artist, BUT, if I had to pick just one, I’d say artist. 

About the DJs 

Kay Faith / Miss Bex 

A: Where are you based and where can we catch you when you're not on the decks at Recline?  

KF: I am all over Cape Town in many studios taking in the energy of the beautiful city as inspiration for my follow up album after my debut success "In Good Faith".

MB: Keep an eye on Uber Cool Events and Selective Hearings events. Uber Cool is hosting House Of Kaytranada on the 25th of this month where I’ll be doing a back to back set with DJ TiffyBeat. For the past year I have been studying sound engineering, which means that during the day you’ll find me curating new sets on the decks at Cape Audio College. 

A: What can we expect from your #RecliineVIII set?  

KF: I will be bringing some groovy Hip Hop vibes. Groovy chilled vibes.

MB: I will be playing some of my favourite new tracks from Sango among others in a delicious mix of old school and new hip-hop. I’ll put a few surprises in there as well.

A: Where can we look you up on social? 

KF: Kay_Faith_Sa on everything. Or just Google me. Something will pop up.

MB: You’ll find me on Facebook and SoundCloud as Miss BEX and Instagram as itsmissbex.

A: What’s your best set ever and where can we listen to it?

KF: My set at CTEMF 2018 set was hands down one of my bests. I enjoyed it a lot. it was a HARD set. You can catch it here. 

MB: I’m a huge fan of future beats so I’d say my last House Of Kaytranada set at Fiction was pretty dope. Also did a pretty cool house set with DJ Tiffybeat for Sail&Anchor at The Mash Tun a while back. It’s between those two.

A: How would you describe your sound? 

KF: I try and be as versatile as possible.

MB: Hip-hop. Old school hip-hop and future beats, anything around 115bpm. I grew up listening to everything from Motown to Lauryn Hill so my taste in music vary, at the moment I’m hooked on boom-bap and future beats and most of my sets will be a mix of those two. I’m a big fan of Soulection and draw lots of inspiration from there.

Follow Kay Faith on SoundCloud here and Miss Bex by clicking here. 

More about Vans x Lazy Oaf 

Vans collaborated with London-based fashion brand, Lazy Oaf to present a head-to-toe collection exclusively for women. Vans has blended its “Off The Wall” aesthetic with Lazy Oaf’s tongue in cheek attitude to bring forth a collection of Classic footwear, apparel and accessories debuting this month. 

“Vans and Lazy Oaf fans are very similar” says Gemma Shiel, Lazy Oaf’s Founder and Creative Director. “Everyone that wears both Lazy Oaf and Vans are non-conventional and “keep it weird” in an irreverent and playful way.”

View the full Archive collection 

WATCH: Summer Zoe Thompson unboxes the Vans x Lazy Oaf collection | Shop the pack 

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Recap: FILA Mindbreaker x Archive

Archive has collaborated with iconic Italian sportstyle brand, FILA to release the ‘Mindbreaker’. The Mindbreaker is a modern version of the archival shoe. While features like the warped logo remain intact, a slimmer silhouette and modern elements further illustrate FILA’s forward-thinking approach to design. For this special collaboration, Archive chose to celebrate its flagship store, Archive Shortmarket Street, by integrating it into the sneaker’s design.

The FILA Mindbreaker  x Archive features premium “Archive” branded lace locks, a circular Archive logo on the sneaker’s tongue, and a graphic on the inner-lining of the box designed by award-winning Cape Town based illustrator, Chris Moore. The illustration – an aerial view of Cape Town’s vibrant inner city district – shows Archive’s flagship store location in relation to some of Cape Town’s most recognisable landmarks and popular destinations including Green Market Square, St. George’s Mall, Long Street and Bree Street.

FILA’s collaboration with Archive forms part of a series of 50 global collaborations by FILA with other internationally celebrated retailer partners, artists, designers and influencers. 

The global unveiling of the FILA Mindbreaker x Archive, plus all other international collaborations, took place on Friday 20 April 2018 in New York City.

The FILA ‘ Mindblower’ x Archive dropped at Archive on Friday 20 April 2018 and is available in extremely limited quantities. Get yours at Archive Shortmarket Street in Cape Town, Archive Small Street in Johannesburg or via Archive’s online store (www.archivestore.co.za).

Archive is a premium sneaker and streetwear retailer specialising in leading international brands, with a wide range of limited editions and exclusive drops. There are 18 Archive stores across South Africa including Archive’s flagship store, Shortmarket Street in Cape Town CBD, which hosts a monthly evening event called ‘Recline’. Recline celebrates street culture and the creatives that keep it moving forward – including DJs, musicians, artists, designers and illustrators.

Join our Recline guest list here.