Nike Sportswear All-Star Battle Night - Shanghai

2011-07-29T05:27:46Z

(* Source: Gucci Clothing Outlet *)

No longer isolated to just the United States, the NBA All-Star Game is now a global phenomenon and an appropriate excuse to host a large pep rally. While fans enjoy the festivities at Nike Sportswear Los Fearless Club House in Los Angeles, hundreds more were doing the same halfway across the globe in Shanghai’s 800 Show Creative Center, where Nike Sportswear gathered top Chinese talents for All-Star Battle Night. Liken to American Idol with a twine from Darren Aronofsky’s The Wrestler, B-Boys, DJs, and rhythm meisters battled one another for the prize – the admiration of the gathered audience. As for the grand finale? A special performance by Jason Tang and the affable, comical lyrics from the one and only MC Hot Dog.

PUMA Social Hong Kong

2011-07-28T05:14:42Z

(* Source: Puma.com *)

Celebrating the athletes of the after hours, PUMA Social launched the Hong Kong event in the evening of Saturday, February 26th. Intimate billiard club, Racks, in the bustling Central District of HK transformed to accommodate the festivities and enthusiastic guests. Competition of the night focused on the pool table and beer pong table, where eager participants showed off their skills. Amongst the party goers, Hong Kong celebrities and street personalities, 24 Herbs, Sam Lee (Subcrew), Charmaine Fong, Lawrence Chou and Jocelyn Luko were present at the event kick starting the competition. As the premium vodka from Belvedere IX flowed and the guests took turns at the games and mingled until the early morning.

Nike Free Your Body Day - Hong Kong

2011-07-28T05:10:53Z

(* Source: Celebrity Hunted *)

What started at the Media Summit in Beijing last week, the Nike Free Project arrived in Hong Kong on Saturday for a the 903 Nike Free Your Body Day. To promote the concept of running, even among the hectic lifestyle of Hong Kong, Nike Hong Kong enlisted radio station Ultimate 903 for a day of free concerts, food, and drinks. With encouragements from local celebrities and certified trainers, attendees tried out a few of the “challenges” set up by Nike to test their strength, stamina, and will power. The day-long festivities also marked the start of Nike Free initiative that will soon reach other parts of Asia in the coming months.

Nike Free – Greater China Media Summit

2011-07-28T05:05:31Z

(* Source: Dan for Freshness *)

What are limits? A question asked by Nike as the sportswear giant begin its media summit for the Greater China Market in the ancient city Beijing. Whatever those limits might be and for whatever purposes they have across myriad of genres and interest, designers at Nike were quick to realize that much of their origins are the same – limits are set by precedences. So to overcome those preconceived boundaries, one must shattered their precedences and exactly what Nike has done in its Nike Free line-up.

A juxtaposition between the old and the new, troves of journalists, television crew, and more gathered in Beijing for the unveiling of the new Nike Free Collection. Co-founder of Freshness, Dan Hwang, was at location, bringing everyone fresh updates. With designer Tobie Hatfield at the helm, the de-sequencing of the Nike Free genealogy started with the originals – 2004 Nike Free 5.0. Hatfield, who also created the Air Presto, jumped into the progression and improvements along the way till this year, where Nike will introduce a series of new Nike Free designs. Similarly, the new collection will highlight running as one of the key activities in densely populated environment like Beijing. Remember, just a pair of running sneakers and you can virtually go anywhere.

Classetball: Nike Stadium NYC by Olivia Kim & Todd Jordan

2011-07-28T05:00:27Z

(* Source: Poe *)

Ever heard of Classetball? This past weekend, Nike Stadium NYC at Bowery introduced the event to the world. Founded by Olivia Kim of Opening Ceremony and skateboarding photographer Todd Jordan, Classetball was an event of seamless transition, from the adrenaline charging basketball game between New York Knicks and Miami Heat (New York won) to the calmer but equally nail-biting Academy Awards after the game. To make it more interesting, guests entered ballots before the evening started and took home the trophies. Who knew Champagne and beer would go so well together?

PUMA X Kehinde Wiley – “Legends Of Unity” Exhibition Opening

2011-07-28T04:47:29Z

(* Source: Poe Freshness *)

During an epic event such as the World Cup, important aspects often get pushed aside for ones that would generate hype. To reignite interests on the crucial issues once again, sporting giantPUMA created several initiatives leading up to this year’s FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Each will focus on elements within the games themselves as well as unique perspectives that one usually associate with it. An an inaugural to what is to come, PUMA commissioned the talented portraitist,Kehinde Wiley, in creating a series of large-than-life portraits of professional African soccer players to participate in this year’s World Cup. Dubbed Legends of Unity, the paintings highlight Africa Unity Kit initiative by PUMA currently underway. In a region of known for its conflicts and strife, the message of a common passion in soccer will unite all, thus finding strength through a common goal.

Dominated the host gallery, Deitch Project in SoHo, is the Unity Paining, an oil on canvas monolith measured at 108-inch x 144-inch. Featured Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) John Mensah (Ghana) and Emmanuel Eboue (ivory Coast) exchanging greetings, done in Kehinde Wiley’s unique fashion of superimposing masculine identities against feminine backdrop. With live beat provided by Zozo Afrobeat, several hundred attendees packed the space on Wooster Street, including Nicola Vassell, director at Deitch Projects, Anthony Evrard, director from PUMA, hip-hop/graffiti pioneer Fab Five Freddie, legendary portraitist Chuck Close, and the gallerist Jeffrey Deitch.

PUMA + Grand Opening Present: L.E.S. Cup 2010

2011-07-28T04:44:24Z

(* Source: Emily for Freshness *)

After three months of ferocious competition at Lower East Side’s PONG (a single table ping pong parlor revived three months ago for its third iteration to provide the neighborhood with a healthy dose of competition and entertainment), the culmination of the pop-up ping pong venture ends in the grand L.E.S. Cup 2010. The L.E.S. Cup 2010 is a joint effort between creative agency Grand Opening and PUMA. The L.E.S. Cup is not just a neighborhood table tennis championship, but also a project aimed at helping to bring the community together regardless of whether one can execute a deadly backhand.

As the top ping pong players from the Lower East Side vie for the trophy and fulfilling sense of sweet victory, all interested in supporting the players or simply enjoying a fun night of furious serves. smashes and chops can purchase tickets to attend the event. The event doesn’t simply provide entertainment and an opportunity to yell at the top of one’s lungs, but also comes with stadium seating, fresh beats from DJs, even fresher remarks from commentators, and the highlight– a staffed bar.

PUMA Archive Gallery Reception

2011-07-27T04:13:04Z

(* Source: Shoe Master *)

This is not just sneaker 101. This is the Puma that you don’t know about. And Japan’s Shoe Master is about to give you a graduate crash course on one of the heavyweights in the sportswear world, Puma. After featuring Nike and Hiroshi Fujiwara on Sneaker Tokyo Vol.2, as we had previewed and predicted, Shoe Master is onto Puma for the third volume of Sneaker Tokyo. In conjunction with the launch of the publication, Shoe Master has put together a Puma Archive Gallery, showcasing key models throughout the ages, also featuring the art work of artist, Dragon76. Check out the pictures from the event and the gallery, which opened over the weekend for the public

UNDFTD X PUMA Clyde – New York City | Event Recap

2011-07-27T04:09:42Z

(* Source: Masa for Freshness *)

First arrived in the West Coast, understandably the UNDFTD x PUMA Clyde celebration finally arrived in the Big Apple last night as part of the Good Units venue. Packed with eager fans, party goers, and personalities from the entertainment industry, a clash of style took place on the stage with performances by DJ Scratch, Kid Capri, Kenny Dope, Prince Language, DJ Spinna and DJ Getlive! Spotted in the midst, legendary rapper Biz Markie with Michael Packer, of Packer Shoes, along with Eddie Cruz (UNDEFEATED), Adam Leaventon, the Director of Merchandising for PUMA, along with a range of notable PUMA Clyde editions were all on hand to take part in the festivities. Guests were even invited to pose with the giant Clyde, the largest size made, for a memorable party snap shot.

Jordan Fly Wade: Media Event With Dwayne Wade & Mark Smith

2011-07-27T04:05:33Z

(* Source: LiquidRice *)

The official unveiling of the Jordan Fly Wade took place today in Miami. Dwayne Wade along with Jordan Creative Director, Mark Smith held several mini media sessions with journalist to go through the first Jordan signature sneaker for Mr Wade. The sessions included some time for Q&A which we will present very soon in video form. As a surprise, Jordan Brand and NikeiD premiered the customization builder for the Jordan Fly Wade iD which will be available to the public on Sunday, May 29, 2011. Take a look below for photos from the event including illustrations, shoe parts, pre-designed Fly Wade iD photos and more shots of the shoes.

Thinking Outside the Sports: Winning Strategy for Puma and adidas

2011-07-27T04:01:54Z

(* Source: PopSop *)

For a brand like Puma, surviving and getting its second wind in a crowded market among such strong competitors as Nike and Adidas might mean actually thinking outside the market, i.e. turning from a sports sector with its tough competition to a more tolerant lifestyle clothing and apparel market. This idea was first discussed in Bloomberg Businessweekarticle dedicated to the dynamics of Puma sales over the last ten years.

Since 1998, after Puma had unveiled sneakers as the fruit of its collaboration with Pele and the revenue had soared eight times, things were no longer looking bright for the most elegant of all the sports brands.

In 2007, Puma was acquired by a French luxury house PPR, but during the economic recession it saw only 3.1% increase in sales. François-Henri Pinault, CEO of PPR, intends to help Puma blossom by expanding its product portfolio so it will become a brand offering sports and lifestyle products. This strategy was previously applied by PPR with regard to its other brands, and has proved to be a success.

“The sports and lifestyle segment shares common characteristics with the luxury segment, growing fast in the same regions of the world,” Mr. Pinault told Bloomberg Businessweek. He assured such brand-portfolio model “has been proven in the last 10 years—it was a winning choice.”

Switching from sports to a lifestyle category for a brand might mean appealing to a wider audience without limiting itself to catering for the more specific needs of spotsmen. That’s why Puma pursues an ambitious goal of increasing its sales by 50% so it will near $6 billion by 2015. PPR is supplying the German sports brand with everything that will foster sales growth. So, this year, according to Pinault, Puma that owns Cobra Golf and Tretorn brands will be focusing on product development and marketing revolving around the lifestyle theme.

In 2010, the Puma kicked off its “After Hours Athletes” campaign during which it hosts parties offering its participants sports games one can play with a drink in their hand. More than that, Puma has signed on three-time Olympic gold medalist and sprint world-record holder Usain Bolt and Formula 1 motor-racing world champion Sebastian Vettel to endorse its products in a series of events for general public, not just sportsmen.

Manny Pacquiao X Nike Sportswear – Customize Your Own T-Shirt Event

2011-07-27T03:56:09Z

(* Source: Freshnessmag *)

Ahead of the world’s most potent Southpaw’s fight against “Sugar Shane” Mosley this Saturday night, the gathered fans along the Las Vegas Strip will have the chance to declare their allegiance. Beginning today, Nike Sportswear is offering Manny Pacquiao the chance to customize and create their very own MP tees for free. Simply purchase a t-shirt from the Nike Manny Pacquiao Collectionat the Champ Sports location within Fashion Show Mall and select the array of designs. The offer will last till Fight Night, May 7th. There will also be a temporary photo booth event this Sunday, May 8th, where you can bring your best championship poses to the ring for a memorable knockout portrait.

Puma Social: Sports marketing and everyday athletes

2011-07-27T03:50:21Z

(* Source: Giles Fitzgerald *)

Sport is usually approached by brands in two ways. Firstly, as part of the basic – yet fundamental – sponsorship bragging rights battle at key high profile events, be it football or motor racing. The other flip side of this has been the sponsorship, or development of, on the ground grassroots initiatives that favour the working sportsman; the Sunday football league or part time marathon runner.

Both have their merits, but there is now a new movement brewing, one that is redefining what sport is and how it fits into the more mundane tasks of everyday life.

Puma kick started this rethinking with its ‘Puma Social’ campaign, a global re-envisioning of sport as a part of a much wider competitive set of events outside the remit of traditional sporting activates. The footwear and apparel brand’s low key celebration of the After Hours Athlete, sees everything from darts and bowling to attempting to score a girl’s phone number in the pub as part of the ‘sport’ we engage in everyday. This positions sport as available to all, and not just the reserve of the more able bodied among us.

Nike Sportswear – “Sports Is Art” Event – Shanghai

2011-07-27T03:37:46Z

(* Source: Cotadog.com *)

Before the start of Labor Day long weekend, Nike Sportswear China kicked off its new Summer 2011 campaign highlighting its extensive t-shirt collaboration from past to present. Billed as “Sport Is Art”, the campaign is the culmination of artists from the 5 continents, each exemplify his or her interpretations between art and sports. Honored guests had the opportunity to acquire the collection early over the weekend as well as a preview of tees representing China by the nation’s top creative talents - Ceezy, DJ Jay Soul, 01 Media, Gary Wang and illustrator Xiao Long Hua.

Puma Love Run: ‘Find Someone Fit’

2011-07-27T03:30:18Z

(* Source: PopSop.com *)

Ahead of this St. Valentine’s Day, Puma helped single Melbournians find their love in the ‘sportive settings,’ gave couples an opportunity to spend an unconventional Valentine’s weekend and promoted urban running at the same time. On February 12, the lifestyle and sportswear brand launched Puma Love Run, inviting people of Melbourne to have a nice time together covering a distance between 4.5km or 6.5km in the inner-city park Birrarung Marr—all for love.

Nearly 1500 Melbournians, both singles and couples, participated in the first-ever Puma Love run, developed by Ogilvy Group Melbourne and supported by a range of other companies. To spread the word about the initiative revolving around the ‘meet someone fit’ message, Puma launched a campaign including bold viral elements, a micro-website and on-street promotion, all encouraging people of Melburn to get their hearts racing.

Puma gave out T-shirts of different colours (red and white ones) to participants who are already in love and those without a date to prevent unwanted misunderstanding. Those, who managed to find a match during the run or just wanted to spend another couple of hours with their sweethearts, could enjoy good music and relax under the stars at the Puma Love Run Music Concert, featuring disco pop Miami Horror band. The cost of registration for the “rigorous stretching of love muscles” cost $45.

“The Puma Love Run was created as a fun event for people who love staying fit and the challenge of exercise but are not necessarily elite runners; the perfect fit for Puma’s positioning of ‘joy.’ We thought it would be a great experience if Puma could bring these runners together in a social sense, and help connect people together in a fun, fitness-inspired way. But we needed to make it different from the other fun-runs and Valentines Weekend provided the perfect inspiration,” commented Michael Knox, Ogilvy Group Melbourne Executive Creative Director.