Just when you think summer footwear news is going to be all about the latest trends in sandals, colorful Converses, and new sneaker drops, up pops some other interesting news. Here’s a quick round-up of the latest from the youth culture footwear scene:
Jimmy Choo footwear, bags, style. No this isn%uFFFDt the H&M collab for Fall but it would be cool, right?
Masstige at an All-Time High: Jimmy Choo for H&M
While most young people don’t wear Jimmy Choo’s and may have first been introduced to the British footwear brand from the series “Sex in the City,” they might now finally be able to buy a pair via the next designer collaboration (a.k.a. masstige) with H&M. Announced June 17, H&M has declared a fall collaboration with the iconic and expensive footwear designer to hit 200 H&M stores globally by November 14, 2009.
The collaboration also includes an entire men’s shoe collection, plus of course Jimmy Choo bags and accessories.
“We are privileged to be among the fashion greats who have been affiliated with H&M so far, and to be designing a collection appealing to fashion savvy, street smart women, and to be including some great pieces for men, too. Jimmy Choo will bring to H&M a sophisticated, fashion forward, accessible and glamorous collection – the perfect party pieces to buy now and then wear out that night!” said Tamara Mellon, Founder and President, of Jimmy Choo.
Star Wars%uFFFD Storm Trooper X adidas Originals, Courtesy of adidas Originals
adidas Originals and Star Wars Collaboration
Fresh news from Herzogenaurach, Germany, and adidas Originals announcing a great collaboration with Lucasfilm and Star Wars. Adidas Originals will create a limited-edition series of Star Wars character kicks including Darth Vader, Storm Trooper graphics, and other characters and familiar scenes from the saga to be released in the Spring/Summer 2010 collection.
According to Ben Pruess, adidas Originals VP of Product Marketing, “To work with Lucasfilm in bringing a timeless story to life on our products is great. Like adidas Originals, the STAR WARS%u2122 brand has a long and rich history of being a leader, leaving an indelible mark on pop culture. For fans of the films, sneaker heads or those that love fun and fresh designs, the collection gives you the chance to find the force or join the dark side.”
Expect the sneaks to drop in select stores by January 2010.
Hypebeast and Slamxhype both posted this pic and news item
Van Halen Sues Nike Over Trademark Infringement
Just in from our fave blogs when it comes to sneaker head news, SlamXhype and Hypebeast, Eddie Van Halen is suing Nike for trademark protection for using Eddie’s “Frankenstein” guitar graphics on the soles of the new Nike Dunk Lows. Nike states, “Based on the information provided to us, we have not infringed on any rights held by Mr. Van Halen. Nike’s Dunk shoe design is not substantially similar to any of the Van Halen designs, and Nike has not referenced the ‘Van Halen’ name or image as part of any marketing campaign or promotional material associated with the shoe.”
It’s interesting how this lawsuit sounds similar to the Trovata/Forever 21 lawsuit whereby trademarks of patterns and colors are popping up more frequently than just copyright-able design graphics. Van Halen’s ELVH Inc. company says that Van Halen has held the copyright of the Frankenstein red, white, and black guitar patterns since 2001 and that Nike needs to impound the shoes immediately. They are also asking for the Nike profits made from the sale of these particular kicks in return for damages.
