The Air Jordan shoe has been a staple on the court and on the fashion scene, as well. Some say that the Air Jordan brand has fallen off late because the design of the shoes isn’t as good as models in the past. However, the Air Jordan brand sneaker still remains to have a cult following. Sneaker heads have been salivating at the mouth to see what the Air Jordan as in store for them this year. Sneaker heads are anxious to see if Air Jordan will get back to making designs along the lines of the retro style that all sneaker heads crave for. Recently, Michael Jordan along with newly sponsored NBA star athlete gave the whole world a taste of the new Air Jordan 2010.

The sneaker was designed by Tinker Hatfield, Mark Smith and Michael Jordan. The shoe marks the 25th anniversary of the Air Jordan sneaker. Michael Jordan stated “With each shoe, consumers have pushed me to take the next Air Jordan beyond their wildest imagination”. The shoe takes on a simple, but futuristic approach. It takes the interpretation of Michael Jordan being able to see through his opponents by creating the brands first see though performance basketball shoe featuring a unique transparent thermoplastic urethane (TPU) window.The Air Jordan 2010 will release Saturday, February 13, 2010 for $170. What do you VILLA heads think of the new Jordan sneaker? Are they better than the retro’s? Should the VILLA get them?
Kyle Bush

There is no question that Wale is one of the most talented and upcoming rappers in the music industry. Wale has made his name known on the rap scene by constantly putting out high quality mixtapes. Wale’s highly anticipated studio album will release sometime this month. However, Wale has made his mark on the fashion scene, as well. Wale is arguably the biggest rapper sneakerhead we have seen to date. Wale’s collection is endless and boasts a lot of variety of styes. From a fellow sneakerhead, his collection is sick and you have no choice, but to respect it. Wale is famous for wearing sneakers months upon months before their release date.

With that being said; let’s talk about Wale wearing the Nike Air 1/2 Silver/Black color way. The 1/2 Cent’s have quickly become a respected shoe even though they are fairly new. Wale was spotted wearing these shoes in the summer during one of his performance. These shoes are nice and definitely should be added to any sneakerheads collection. I have great news they are finally available for the masses. The Nike Air 1/2 Cent are now available at select VILLA locations.
Kyle Bush

We are all witnesses to the greatness of LeBron James. Arguably, the best player in the league today, he last left his mark within the NBA. LeBron is a freakish athlete standing 6’8 and about 260 pounds. Sounds like a football player, but he moves fluidly like a guard on the floor. LeBron has been a breath of fresh air to league and has put the NBA on his shoulders. LeBron is 24 years young and hasn’t reached his full potential and its going to be frightening when he finally reaches the segment of his career.

On another note, LeBron has left his mark within the fashion scene. Normally, people of his stature aren’t known for their sense of fashion, but LeBron has showed enormous people can dress. It’s not a secret that LeBron James is an avid sneaker collector. Recently, when Jay-z’s The Blueprint 3 Tour hit Cleveland, Ohio, LeBron was brought upon the stage by musical genius Pharrell during his performance. Of course, LeBron hit the stage for the performance sporting some limited and exclusive kicks. LeBron who is endorsed by Nike wore a pair of Nike Nitro Microphone Underground Air Force 1 High Premium. Nike along with Japanese Underground Hip-Hop group “Nitro Microphone Underground” collaborated on a special edition and very limited sneaker. The sneakers when they released were available at 50 stores in the country. The VILLA was one of them, so if you want to get your hands on these limited exclusive sneakers, visit our 52 St., and Gallery location to see if we still have them. LeBron may have brought up all the pairs in his size, so don’t waste time.

Kyle Bush

Yes, we are all on the edge of our seats cheering for the Phillies to bring home another World Series Championship. Phillies are resting… waiting to see who their next and final opponent will be. Now the World Series is all we have to conquer. Support the Phillies in the World series by purchasing your very own “World Series Phillies” Fitted New Era here at the Villa.

The Lakers showed last year that they were with out a doubt the best team in the NBA. The team led by the “Black Mamba” himself Kobe Bryant, showed just how dominant they could be by winning the NBA championship. Kobe Bryant is the best player on the Laker team, maybe the entire world some would say. However, he didn’t win the title by himself; he was helped a great deal by versatile all-star forward Lamar Odom. The chemistry between the two played a pivotal role during their quest for a championship.

However, at a recent red carpet event for the opening Philippe Chow’s fifth namesake restaurant the two went head to head with fashion. Kobe Bryant strolled down the red carpet wearing the Nike Air Yeezy in the black/grey/pink color way. It’s safe to say that the Air Yeezy was the hottest sneaker of the year. Kobe Bryant is the best on the court, but Lamar Odom came with his A game for red carpet. Lamar Odom strolled down the red carpet with the latest fresh color way of the Supra TK Society. Arguably, the TK society is the second best sneaker of the year. The navy blue/black/white color way went nice with his grown man, but relaxed outfit. There have been many debates about which of the two shoes were the best sneakers of the year. Now what Laker won this battle? VILLA sold all three color ways of the Nike Air Yeezy and the Supra TK Society is still available at select VILLA location.

Kyle Bush

With the winter months vastly approaching it’s about that time to consider what boots to buy for the upcoming season. The Nike boot has been a popular staple amongst fashion and has definitely been at the forefront for boots. Nike has taken the durability and ruggedness of a boot and infused it with the same comfort and style of a regular Nike sneaker. The Nike boot comes in various styles and will most likely be on the wish list of consumers determined to keep their feet warm.

However, the Nike Boot may have some competition this season. New and fresh products are always what consumers are craving for. So, for those who are looking for another option to keep their feet warm, I think the Eastland Boot is the perfect option. The Eastland boot may be visually less appealing than Nike Boots, but is still a nice boot. The Eastland boot doesn’t use flashy colors within its boots design, but the ruggedness of the boot is still quite appealing. In particular, The Eastland Lumber Up Boot definitely can give Nike Boots a run for their money this year. For example, the Eastland Lumber Up Boot is perfect for the winter months. They are equipped with aggressive storm welt for extended durability and traction that provides durability and all day comfort. Winter is right around the corner, so the choice is yours. Whenever, you decide both styles of boots are available at VILLA locations. Stop through your nearest VILLA location. Checks both boots out and buy the one that best suits your style or buy both pair.

Kyle Bush

Artist Eve also known as Eve Jihan Jeffers has shut down her clothing line, Fetish, for the second time. A few years ago, the 30-year-old artist put a hold on the launch of the “Fetish” line after a dispute with her apparel licensee Inovo Group. Then last year, she said she was revamping and relaunching the line for the third time. But you know what they say….third time is always a charm. Since then Eve has shifted to acting, she’s appeared in several films and even landed her own show on UPN, but it was canceled after three seasons. However, it seems that the collection is headed to failure, since she has shifting her focus back to music and acting. Eve is slated to appear in a new film called “Whip It” due in October, and in a guest spot on the Fox sitcom “Glee.” Also she is working with the Ruff Ryders to gear up for another album.

Ever since the unveiling of the new Nike air Max Lebron VII online, there has been a lot of buzz round the sneaker. From the design to the technology used, many say that this is probably the best Lebron signature sneaker to release. The use of the Air Max is for the first time on a Lebron sneaker is probably what stands out the most from the sneaker, but the use of the new Flywire technology on it as well, is relevant. Designers of the sneaker say it delivers maximum comfort and stability, which is key with any sneaker. Theis colorway is expected to release sometime in October. What do you think? Is this the best Lebron sneaker or do you have another favorite?

By: Adrian Gonzalez

These watches have been seen on people like Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, and even the Pussycat Dolls. The New York-based company is founded by designer and artist Matthew Waldman. Every Nooka watch is unique in either the design or way you actually can tell the time. Waldman says in an online interview that he got the concept from an analogue clock in a hotel in London. The style definitely stand out and are now available at select VILLA locations.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

VILLA, Philadelphia’s premiere “make-me-look-good” retailer officially turned 20 years old this year! In celebration, VILLA collaborated with Jay-Z, Udi Avshalom, and Stash to deliver the limited edition “Americana” Boot. Only 54 pairs (each box is numbered) will be available in the country, in either brown or black, and of course you can only get them at VILLA! Jay-Z, along with Udi, created these incredible American classics. These boots embody the American spirit and classic styling, as they were handmade in western Pennsylvania and are made with bison leather and a crepe-sole. Stash also contributed to the project by hand drafting every box with a 20th Anniversary message. The Americana boots are in selct VILLA locations as we speak at retail for $200.

Back in the day wearing boots was a staple of fashion. The rugged boot look with a nice outfit definitely used to be a popular outfit amongst the fashion world. In recent years the boot craze has sizzled in now it seems too have fizzled. Sounds cliché, but it’s the truth as far as boots. However, it seems as though boots are making a comeback in mainstream fashion as of late. Boots have been spotted on numerous famous superstars as they walk down the infamous red carpet. Boots have most certainly gained a more fashionably image because of this. With superstars and fashion icon such as Lil Wayne and Kanye West wearing Timberland boots, the once hot fashion accessory as been giving a breathe of fresh air. With the cold winter months slowly creeping around the corner, will boots comeback to the forefront of winter fashion? Polo boots have definitely kept the boot look alive for the fashion accessory. It will be interesting too see if Polo boots and Timberland boots can make a strong comeback to the fashion world. So my Villa peoples Do you think boots are making a comeback?

VILLA is announcing that scuffs are a thing of the past!!! Timberland has created the toughest boots ever. Timberland’s new “Scuff Proof” boots are are 10 times more difficult to scuff. This means that we can officially put an end to scuffed boots. Yes, the boots are in kids and adult sizes.

VILLA sent out a team to find someone able to scuff Timberland’s new Scuff Proof boot. Men, women, and kids used coffee, lumber, soda, sand paper, steel wool, and more…but still no scuff. Don’t believe it, check out the videos.

If you still don’t believe, go to your nearest VILLA location and try to scuff the boots yourself. All VILLA locations have “Scuff Proof” boot test stations for you to take the scuff test.

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME…..UNLESS YOU ARE WEARING TIMBERLAND SCUFF PROOF BOOTS.

TIMBERLAND SCUFF PROOF “MAGIC” BOOT– VIDEO 1 (VS. OLD BOOT)

Her grandfather fought for his idea of freedom, equality and a better world.
Lydia Guevara is simply fighting for attention.
The granddaughter of the Marxist revolutionary Che Guevara has posed semi-naked with bandoliers of baby carrots slung across her shoulders in an advertisement.

What type of fashion statement is this?

ELVH believes that the design of certain Nike Dunk Low styles infringe on the copyright the company holds for the red-white-and-black-striped pattern Van Halen made famous on his “Frankenstein” guitar and for which the musician has held the copyright since 2001.

In a statement provided to FN by a brand spokesperson, Nike said it was aware of the lawsuit but did not believe it to have meaning. “Based on the information provided to us, we have not infringed on any rights held by Mr. Van Halen,” it said. “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.”

I hope Nike comes out on top, but what’s your thoughts?

You’ve never seen him in a music video. You’ve never seen him casually showing off his rides and living space on “Cribs.” He doesn’t do reality TV or voice overs on his artists’ records. Devyne Stephens is one of the most influential entertainment moguls that you have never heard of. Check out the videos below to find out who is this industry’s quiet giant.

The artist Pink has been a outstanding supporter of PETA for some time now. She constantly lets her voice he herd when support campaigns against KFC and even ad campaign against the use of fur in clothing. When she heard Kanye West recently thought a Paris fashion show needed more fur, she was a little more than angry.

“I was at Stella McCartney’s Paris fashion show with the vice president of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, PAUL McCARTNEY and Kanye West,” said Pink “… The entire time Kanye is stating, “They need more fur in this show”. He just wouldn’t shut up about how he loved fur. I mean, he’s saying this to me, the PETA guy and Paul McCartney!

“I was just so grossed out by him. I’m like, ‘You’re an idiot!’,” she continued. “There are so many people who I think are a waste of skin and he’s up there. I should wear him.

According to Pink, ‘Ye should donate his skin, and guess what? She’ll be the first to wear it.

If you ask me, Pink just needs a Hug and to realize it really isn’t that serious. Everyone has their own opinion of what they do and do not find appealing, but getting angry at one preference is silly.

Our release of the third Air Yeezy was crazy!!!  If you were in line for three nights to buy these sneaks, you were treated to a surprise Midnight Launch.  At midnight, the brave, true sneaker lovers were ushered into VILLA’s 52nd Street location in complete darkness.  After following the glow in the dark footsteps up the stairs, the crew saw a wall of Air Yeezy’s glowing in the dark– organized by size.  One by one, each person selected their sneakers until there were none left.  It was a great time.  We hope that everyone had as much fun as the VILLA team.  Shout out to Kyle and Jeff for being the first two in line (again), waiting since 8am on Wednesday for the Yeezys.  Congrats to those that won the glow in the dark rug and posters.

ANNOUNCEMENT: Yeezy’s in Cleveland 6.20.09:

For all of you cats close to Cleveland or just looking for the Yeezy’s at retail price, VILLA is opening its vault and selling the Yeezy’s at the newest VILLA location.  VILLA’s first Cleveland store, located at Lee Harvard Plaza (4071 Lee Road), will be selling the Yeezy’s on June 20.  Click the following linkd for more details: www.ruvilla.com/main/promotions/yeezy-launch-in-cleveland.   

By: Adrian Gonzalez (#9 in line)

These sneakers are the hottest of the hot and guess who’s going to have these in stock. That’s right, VILLA will be bringing you the hottest Nike Air Yeezy ever. This sneaker comes in a Tan/Pink colorway and that’s not all, these sneakers will also glow in the dark as well. These Yeezy’s will drop June 6, 2009. We at the VILLA expect these hot kicks to go quick, so if you want your pair we suggest that you get to the VILLA (4 S. 52nd St., Philadelphia, PA) early. As you can see it’s a line already. These guys have been here since Wednesday morning. I wonder how many others will come to the line today?

Click here for a recap of the release!

World known skater Terry Kennedy talks about his success with his latest release with Supra. Check out the video below.

For some reason fashion designers are developing animal prints in everything from sneakers to watches, lingerie, and hats. The trend has been going strong since last year and shows no signs of stopping. Little do you know there is actually a little bit of history as to why animal print is the “ish”. Did you know that in the old days Zulu kings in Africa would wear animal print to symbolize their high ranking status, basically saying that he is way more important than you. That might be the reason why it’s still popular today, well with some people anyway.

We all know that Jay-Z is Kanye’s “Big Brother”, and he looks up to him. Jay-Z is arguably one of the greatest rappers of all time, while Kanye is still growing in the industry to someday achieve the level of success that Jay-Z has accumulated through time. We all know that Jay-Z sneaker game is on point since the first release of the S.Carters from Reebok, but does Kanye’s Nike Yeezy top those?  The Air Yeezy vs. the R+ Rocawear sneaker which one would you choose? Despite the price tag and high demand, is Kanye’s sneaker better than Jay’s? I think so, but what are your opinions?

Recently, Mr. West was seen wearing the highly anticipated Nike Air Yeezy sneaker (pictured at the bottom) during the video shoot of his upcoming music video for “Go Hard”, which features DJ Khaled, Kanye West, and T-Pain. I believe that this is the best colorway yet. What do you think? Do you feel that these sneakers are a must have item?

This past Saturday the well awaited second colorway for the Nike Air Yeezy released. Those that really wanted the pair camped out from Thursday to Saturday just to get their hands on them. Again, shout out to Kyle and Jeff who were the first two in line for the sneakers. The crowd was together like a little family the entire time. VILLA also provided pizza for those in line to show love and support for those waiting. There’s one pair left to release so stay tuned for more information on the last colorway.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Watches are a must have accessory men and women. So, why not have a hot and stylish watch that represents your swagger. Casio G-shock watches have been on the scene for some time, and VILLA has the hottest G-Shock watches for you. There are a few colorways available, such as pink, black/lime, black/orange, all red, and white. If you like what you see, then call up your nearest VILLA location to find out which stores are still in stock.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

As you may probably know by now, all the hype over the first Nike Air Yeezy’s was huge and expected. The sneakers are just about sold out everywhere they were sold, including NikeStore’s website. Plenty are available on Ebay at much higher prices if you still need a pair though. With the first pair already released, what do you expect to happen with the black and pink pair, which is next to release? How long will customers stay in line? What are your thoughts?

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Jay-Z was spotted at Pastis wearing these navy blue sneakers last week. The tongue has a noticeable “R” on it. There has been many rumors that this is the sneaker version of the Roc Climber (Jay-Z’s boot that released towards the end of last year). They look hot, but there is currently no word on when these will be releasing. What do you think about this unknown sneaker Jay-Z is wearing?

This Air Jordan Retro 12 will be the first “true” retro Jordan sneaker that will be releasing for 2009. When I say true, I mean true in a sense that there was no major tweaking to this sneaker from the original release in 2003. The colorway is black and university blue, which looks real sharp in all the pictures floating around the web. There was a lot of pandemonium when they first released because they were only available online and thousands if not millions of people were trying to log on to the server to try and purchase them at Jumpman23 at the time. This Nubuck pair is set to release May 2009 so be on the look out for them.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Well the line has started! If you are looking to purchase the Nike Air Yeezy’s, I suggest after you read this to leave and start camping out at VILLA’s 52nd street location. These two gentleman (Kyle and Jeff) were the first two in line as of 9pm last night. Now that the line has begun it is your turn to get out there before the line gets crazy and you miss out on the opportunity.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

A lot of you are probably wondering what is on Jay-Z’s feet? Well, these are an interesting, unique pair of boots that Jay-Z has been spotted wearing. These are a pair of American, hand made boots that were actually made in the state of Pennsylvania. A lot of people are wondering what company makes these and when will they be released because they look hot. So stay tuned with VILLA for an update and closer look on these Jay-Z, American made boots.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Supra is a brand of sneakers and apparel that is hardly found in the city of Philadelphia. By the end of this month, VILLA will be a new location for you to purchase Supra Footwear. The three sneakers shown here are part of what will be coming to VILLA this month. The Supra style is unique and definitely trend setting for a lot of people. The sneakers have the skateboard design but are something different and hot. Supra will be available at select VILLA locations soon so look out to get your pair.

It seems that the highly anticipated collaboration of Nike and hip-hop artist Kanye West and their Nike Sportswear Air Yeezy will finally be releasing sometime in the near future. A lot of pictures have resurfaced the web after confirmation of the release was put out to the public via a press release. These sneakers were worn by Kanye West during a concert a while back and ever since they have created so much buzz online and in the streets. Kanye West actually went through the whole process of making this sneaker, it is not just a sneaker specifically tagged with his name on it. Mark Smith, Creative Director at Nike, said that West was a “truly creative talent” when asked about the process. The release was mentioned to originally be sometime last year, but the sneakers were pushed back. Now, it seems that the sneakers will be releasing this year which is great news to a lot of sneaker heads, Nike enthusiest, and Kany West fans. The pictures show three different pairs that will be releasing so stay posted with VILLA to hear more information on the Nike Sportswear Air Weezy sneakers.

Click here to tell us your opinion on these Kicks.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

One thing that I can say for the fashion season of Spring 2009 is that Lifted Research Group (LRG) is back!. Many may say that last year was a rough one for this grassroots company as the trends were a little away of branded clothing items. The company has definitely done its research and is back strong for this current spring 2009 season. It has integrated hot colors with basic designs that fit and look great. VILLA is definitely the one stop shop for all the latest and hot LRG gear for every fashion season. Here are just a few items of what LRG has to offer, but if you want to see more, stop by your local VILLA location.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

In celebrating Black History Month, VILLA is bringing to you exclusive “Rise to Greatness” t-shirts. If you are wondering what they are, the Rise to Greatness tees symbolize inspiration from powerful images and call to action words that are meant to help inspire others to go out and do whatever you dream of doing. The series of tees include images of Michael Jordan, Michelle Obama, Jesse Owens, Rosa Parks, Barack Obama, and more. The Rise to Greatness tees will be available at all VILLA locations starting this week.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

There are a lot of pictures all over the web showcasing hybrid sneakers for 2009. From the Nike Air ½ Cent (Penny Hardaway sneakers in one) to the Nike Blazers mixed with the Nike Terminators (Nike Mowabb ACG), it looks like Nike will ride high with a lot of unique hybrid sneakers this year. Another hybrid sneaker releasing this year is the Nike Air Pegasus ACG Hybrid. There will also be a sneaker that is a mix of a current Nike Air Max 90 with the Huarache sneaker that is slated to drop in fall on 2009. We cannot forget about the Jordan Fusions that are still dropping. This year the Fusion 6 will continue to appear and the Fusion 9’s will also drop (some other may appear as well). So stay up with VILLA to find out about more hybrids this year.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Hip-Hop artists such as Chris Brown, Kanye West, and even Jay-Z have been seen wearing what are called nerd glasses. Kanye West’s new look is kind of the “nerd” look and the glasses are a big part to the look. Jay-Z let his hair grow out somewhat for some time and was wearing the nerd glasses. Chris Brown was wearing the nerd glasses in at least one of his music videos (Kiss, Kiss). So now it looks like this hot accessory can be considered being in style. Look for the nerd glasses to be hot for the spring and maybe even summer this year. The Villa will be carrying the mid February.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

There has been a lot of talk about the newest Jordan sneaker that will release this February. A lot of Jordan sneaker heads have mixed opinions of this new Jordan sneaker. Once pictures released on the web about them, people immediately started commenting on what they saw. My opinion on the sneaker titled the “Jordan 2K9″ is that they are OK, but they don’t stand out to me much. What do you think….hot or not?

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Let’s take the time to look back from where we came. 2008 gave us the 80”s runaround, the Military Desert Storm and the college grunge look. What will come next? Will we emerge ourselves into the educated clean tailored look or better yet will fashion even be as important. Do you feel that this recession is going to take a toll on what’s important fashion wise? Therefore make fashion not a label thing, but more of an individual statement.

By Keith Wardlaw

The Villa now has 4 new, hot, and fresh New Era x Villa branded fitted hats available. These hats follow a Major League Baseball team color scheme. The yellow and black fitted follows the throwback Pittsburgh Pirates color scheme and it my personal favorite. The burgundy and white hat follows the throwback Philadelphia Phillies color scheme is fire! The navy and white hat follows the legendary New York Yankees color scheme. Finally, the black and red fitted hat goes with part of the original company colors. These four hats just released last week, so get yours before they sell out. They are all available in select Villa locations.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

Apparently Mr. West will be taking a short break from music to become an intern. Yes, an intern! Kanye West offered his services for free to the high-end fashion line Louis Vuitton and Raf Simmons. He has always had some type of passion for fashion and Louis Vuitton is Kanye’s favorite brand. When Raf Simmons was approached with the situation, he was shocked but knew that Kanye was serious about the situation. Simmons also mentioned that the thought of West being an intern is a little extreme. Nothing is official yet, it would be nice to have something in common with Kanye, which would be being an intern. In other Kanye news, he has been seen in public giving a preview of his own clothing line which is called Pastelle.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

The person that came up with the concept of creating the Nike Goadome Boots is a genius! Ever since releasing outside of New York City, the Nike Boots have been a hit, especially here in Philadelphia. For years, other brands have tried to come out with a solid boot in both a wheat/suede material and an all black leather material. Timberland has pretty much set the standards for both, but Nike has really done big with the Nike Goadome Boots. The key aspects of the Nike Boots that make the boot stand out are that they are durable, offer a lot of comfort, prevent trail slip-and-slide, and overall they have a fresh feel. Now, it seems that Timberland will still have a tight grip on the market for wheat/suede boots, but it looks like Nike will take over the black/leather boots market. These are so popular, that even up-and-coming hip-hop artist Wale, made a song and video titled “Nike Boots.” He actually just came out with the video this week and is getting a lot of love. The Nike Goadome boots are available in several color combinations and are available at your local Villa location.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

After appearing at the Magic Fashion Convention earlier this year, rapper T.I.’s clothing line, Akoo, has finally hit the shelved of popular fashion stores. Even though T.I. was involved with some personal issues, he did not allow it to stop his business venture in realeasing the Akoo line. To celebrate the release, T.I held a party in New York City at the Taj Lounge. At the party he showed off coats, jeans, jackets and other fashion items. The line released earlier this week and has been receiving a lot of buzz on the streets. If anyone is wondering what AKOO stands for, it is an acronym for “A King of Oneself.” Akoo clothing is now available at select Villa locations.

By: Adrian Gonzalez

T-shirt wearers around the world seem to be endlessly searching for that ideal t-shirt that is so soft and comfortable that you never want to take it off. However, have you noticed that this search is decreasing in difficulty? The feel of the tee shirt has drastically changed over the last few years. Do you tend to favor the softer clothes in your closet over abrasive ones? Gone are standard weight jersey cotton tees, the stiff fabric that may be ideal for the ball court but not so great for the bedroom. Designers have broken down fabric fibers to make shirts thinner and more gauze-y, making fabric softeners almost obsolete. You can pick up 2 almost identical T-shirts and they can feel very different to the touch. The difference is due to a variety of factors. For starters, quality makes a huge difference. That’s why softer tees are more expensive, while cheaper tees are relatively inexpensive. Thread count is another huge factor. If the tee is made of high quality fabric, it most likely contains a 200+ count, referring to how many threads make up an inch of the fabric. Also, manufacturers are implementing many new methods and technology to create a softer feel. Combing techniques remove tough fibers before cotton is spun into thread. Enzyme washes, peaching, burn outs and slub cottons have also made the new tee shirt generation more comfortable than ever. Warning: This trend may have you feeling yourself – literally and figuratively speaking.

By: Andréa Nelson

In the months leading up to the general election on November 4th, politics have flooded popular culture with more intensity than Lil’ Wayne’s hottest track and Facebook combined. All the mayhem has been prominently on display – literally. Obama’s face graces t-shirts, his inspiring words grace buttons, hats, jewelry – you name it. Fashion designers worldwide have responded to Obama-mania by making great clothes so people can express their political preference. Many websites specializing in custom clothing have now added a “Barack the Vote” section, where Obama fans and artists can upload artwork that may end up on the chests of other Obama supporters all over the globe. Also, sneaker fanatics can find incredible custom Obama sneakers online. Whether or not Barack fashions are for you, they certainly influenced the polls, as a united party jumped on the Obama bandwagon. And whether or not you were a Barack fan from day one, support his vision by rocking some paraphernalia now and again. History has been made. Are you fired up and ready to go? YES WE CAN!

By:Andréa Nelson

The wallet chain trend is spreading like ketchup, originated from the punk-rock culture and links fashion and function – no pun intended. Even in a recession, having the right accessories is important– including a hot jean wallet chain. This old school accessory has been catching on in hip-hop fashion as an innovative new style that as usual, all the hip-hop stars are wearing. Pocket watches of the last century were the inspiration of the modern day jean wallet chain. As a historically functional accessory, it has catapulted to popularity by serving a fashion purpose – (cause let’s face it, wallet chains look kind of hot), and a function purpose (cause we’re in a recession and thieves may jack your wallet – even if it’s on fire and the fire department are on their way.)

Men have usually kept their wallets in the back pocket of their jeans, either with or without a jean wallet chain due to the wallet’s bulkiness. However, a few things have changed. For starters, carrying a wallet in a back pocket makes it an easy target for theft and pick-pocketing, unless you have a jean wallet chain. Secondly, trends have changed. Dress pants and high-end trousers, no longer always have rear pockets – and the wallet chain was born. These chains are manufactured in various finishes – gold, chrome, brass, etc, various lengths – from short and sensible to long and ornate. They also can incorporate trendy detail – skulls, cross-bones, studs, etc. To get the chain that suits you best, you just need to know where to shop. Also, many wallets from all brands and price points now feature chrome links so that the customer has the option of attaching a wallet chain at will. So try to incorporate this trend… your swag – and your stacks, may thank you and return the favor.

By:Andréa Nelson

All shades of strawberry can now be found in men’s fashion. From Lacoste to Sean John and from Larry King’s suspenders to Cam’ron’s you-name-it, pink is a common color for contrast-collared shirts, many fine dress shirts, ties, and pocket squares. Pink polos in particular were extremely popular in the 1980’s, and have made a huge revival in the past five years – largely due to great marketing by many top designers and brands. Softer pink dress shirts offer a very formal yet approachable look – it does not compromise one’s manhood. Actually, a light and fresh pink looks very complementary on most men, especially those men with darker complexions. As with most trends however, to be a successful pink-wearer, you absolutely must be able to pull it off. The social stigma against certain colors seems to be over, but even the most confident brotha should be prepared to face some suspicious glances. Even still, that’s a small price to pay for a playful, stylish, memorable image.

By: Andréa Nelson

Why choose between shoes that make a fashion statement and footwear that actually serves a purpose when you can have the best of both worlds? The bottom line is that fashion conscious and athletic shoppers no longer have to choose. Hybrid fashion-function shoes are making a heavy impact for everyday wear. We can find shoes that are meant for inclement weather and rocky terrain with one too many buckles, running shoes with excess fashion stitching in some blinding neon hue, or even basketball shoes trimmed with snakeskin – yeah – baby blue and grey snakeskin. Maybe I’ve been living under a rock, but when last have you seen an actual snake slide out from under any rock with skin THAT color? Anyhow, I digressed and I’ll admit that most fashion-function footwear serve more of a fashion purpose that a function one. But it’s a small price to pay for looking your flyest while soaring through the air during your NBA-worthy dunk. So go score yourself some sneaks and play both sides of the fence. Heed this warning: if you’re about to run a marathon of sorts, I suggest you leave the baby blue and grey snake skin sneaks right there in the closet next to the dominatrix-looking ones. Please buy some proper running shoes if you want to give yourself a winning chance. Thank you.

By: Andréa Nelson

This trend may not be for the fashion laggards but those of you willing to take a risk this season may appreciate refreshing your fall wardrobe in an effortless way. Deep v-neck shirts and sweaters are popping up on the backs of celebrities and male models with a vengeance. V-neck sweaters are perfect for layering over a button down shirt, while v-neck shirts can be rocked solo. The deep V t-shirt evolved from the popularity regular white tees have experienced within the past five to seven years. The “white tee” was a nice, really inexpensive, good-looking item that would always look
fresh in the summer and was therefore embraced by lots of people from varied backgrounds. Like most great fashion trends, as soon as the basic white tee became too universal, designers aimed to redefine it.

Let’s be honest, the V-neck look is a little too fashion forward for the average Joe. The trend speaks volumes. It shows that a guy is a little more secure about themselves than the guy who chooses to wear that dress shirt, or a crew neck. American culture is moving toward a more unisex style of dress
and metrosexuality is being pushed by mainstream media and becoming more conventional. The growing popularity of the deep v-neck is part of a larger trend where guys need to pay more attention to their clothing if they want to stand out. They are being held to the same standards that women have been held to for years. Women are now demanding that guys look a certain way. Just be careful how low you go. Trends evolve but visible chest hair was - and never will be in style.

By: Andréa Nelson

With Kris Cross’s backwards gear being the exception, it’s hard to find a truly original trend these days. Case and point: T-Pain’s overused vocoder “signature” for instance. As celebrities constantly travel the world for leisure and business purposes, they may naturally absorb a trend or two – or even become inspired by their experiences. Even regular folk are guilty as charged. As of late, scarves in every shade, print, and size have become a fashion staple in hip hop and mainstream culture. Everyone from industry heavyweights such as Jermaine Dupri, Kayne West, Jay-Z and Chris brown to pop culture a-listers such as Jessica Alba, Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen, Mischa Barton and Fergie have been seen dressing up an otherwise drab outfit with this hot fall accessory.

Not too extraordinary right? You may be wondering what could possibly be wrong with a meaningless scarf that will probably die off and ascend to trend heaven by my next post. Well it’s called a kaffiyeh (pronounced kuh-fee-uh) and besides being the fashion trend of the moment, the scarf also has a rich political history. Traditionally, the scarf is a symbol of Palestinian nationalism, as Palestinian peasants wore the
cloth over their heads in solidarity against British rule in the 1930s. Its identity was set in the 60s when Arafat’s resistance movement adopted it in the fight against Israel. However, as the checkered Middle Eastern scarf has gained popularity this season, people with Muslim, Palestinian, or Middle Eastern roots are concerned that the trend is diluting the political message. This is sparking a heated debate regarding the commercial innovation of the trend and Muslims are taking offense to the style. The situation is stimulating an even wider divide between people of Middle East backgrounds and the hip hop community. However, those in opposition may be unfairly stereotyping the industry, failing to condemn or acknowledge the actresses and actors in mainstream media who have adopted the accessory as well.

Is all the frenzy warranted? Is it being over-analyzed? Speak on it. Controversy aside, the kaffiyeh is a great way to bring a look up-to-date. It can be used for warmth in uncertain weather or even for covering up questionable evidence that may have resulted from last night’s antics (Don’t front, you know you’ve used your only turtle neck to cover up evidence before). Hey, I’m just offering you a better, cooler – and
trendier alternative.

By: Andréa Nelson

Anyone who still associates hip hop with baggy clothing in 2008 is from another planet …or at least they’ve been living under a rock for the last 3 years or so. Soulja Boy fanatics who love looking like they are swimming in their clothing probably didn’t get the memo. Well here it is better late than never right. A great pair of sharply-tailored denim jeans have become a priority among the “must haves” in a man’s closet, thanks to a laundry list of mainstream artists who have contributed to the trend. What’s more, urban designers have started focusing even more on the fit as well as design.

The fashion world and the streets have seamlessly found common ground, as both worlds have welcomed tailored denim with open arms. Many factors have influenced urban fashion’s “dressier” tendencies. To begin with, when baggy clothes were over-saturating the market, customers wanted to feel comfortable without looking like everyone else. Also, hip hop lyrics are validating the cleaner, dressed-up look. (We bet you’ll start humming a rap verse before you’re finished reading this article.) Not to mention another huge factor – customers no longer want to look like a walking advertisement. Unless of course you’re Diddy himself – then we’ll give you a pass. Still skeptical? Not to worry, we’re not talking about your grandpa’s definition of dressing up. We’re talking dressing the part – with a casual modern twist. This new fit has all the same qualities that put denim at the forefront of urban fashion to begin with. So slim down, and clean up nice.

By: Andrea Nelson

It’s no secret that fashion is evolving in menswear - FAST. Gone are the days when men could make excuses, claiming they “don’t have as many options as women.” Gone are the days when men’s street fashion fit a safe and sensible “formula,” far removed from any contemporary runway. On the contrary, a growing number of men are actually incorporating trendy elements as they discover their own distinctive style.

In 2006, we were suddenly bombarded with bold graphic prints and embroidery. Funky, rock n’ roll inspired guns, roses, wings, funky swirls, and every imaginable pattern graced hoodies, track jackets, and of course, our ever favorite screen printed t-shirts. In 2008 however, these graphics, once intrinsic to women’s clothing have made their way onto more dressy items, including men’s blazers, button down shirts and even corduroys! From the VIP room to the boardroom, men can confidently blend their own definition of business casual and “grown and sexy” in one cohesive look. Bright colors and delicate hues are in vogue, adding another level of effortless swag to what man wants to express. Especially in menswear, fashion keeps repeating, but incorporating this trend, even subtly, has two major advantages. For starters, each piece can look fresh, innovative, and unique. Every. Single. Time. As for the second advantage? Women love detail. You do the math.

By: Andréa Nelson

All celebrities have just about all the money they need to have the most “swag” in whatever field they are in. In the hip-hop game, it sometimes or maybe always feels like a competition to show off who has the most swag. It could be from wearing a lot of jewelry, brand name clothes that is very limited, or even sneakers that they only have access to. But, what is the definition of swag? The definition of swagger from Dictionary.com is “to walk or strut with a defiant or insolent air.” To back up one’s swag, one has to have the right gear and “rock” it right. Many hip-hop artists probably think they have the most swag in the game right now, but who is actually on top?

My list of hip-hop artists with the most swag include: Jay – Z, T.I., Lil Wayne, Kanye West, Jim Jones, Juelz Santana, and Diddy. What’s your opinion on what is “swag?” Also, how does it have an effect on you?

- AGE

A lot of people dress the way they do because either they are very unique and fashionable, or they are inspired by someone or something. Many people refer back to music videos or just might find someone dressed hot in a random TV appearance. Living in a huge city full of style, I see many people every day dressed in so many different styles; from crazy colored sneakers to Tims, graphic t-shirts to polo shirts, and from fitted jeans to baggy jeans. So I put out this question to all of “You.” Who or what inspires your look? Please Comment!

- AGE