There are less than a few weeks until Christmas and that means that the race is on to find the perfect gift for the holidays. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or that special someone, here’s a holiday gift guide with STAY FRESH to help shop for the sneakerhead or streetwear enthusiast in your life.
After cascading in popularity throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the New York-based streetwear brand has become a household name. And while coveted pieces like their box logo hoodies may be out of reach for some, Supreme stickers carry the same amount of hype and status that anybody can afford. Not to mention, Stay Fresh has plenty of collectible pieces that are both out-of-print and discontinued.
The importance of keeping your sneakers clean cannot be stressed enough. Jason Markk products help your shoes maintain their value over time, they don’t use any harsh, damaging chemicals, and most importantly, they keep your shoes looking as clean as the day you bought them.
American artist and designer Brian Donnelly, better known as Kaws, has erupted as one of the biggest names in both the art and streetwear world. One of his latest collections, released at the MoMA Design Store, commemorates his “KAWS” Companionship in the Age of Loneliness” exhibition at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV). The NGV collection includes the artists’ most popular characters depicted on greeting cards, postcards, magnets, and keyrings.
Swingman tops and shorts are a perfect gift for NBA fans of any age. And with Mitchell & Ness’ Hardwood Classic collection, basketball fans can revive some of the most iconic looks in NBA history, as well as names like Vince Carter, Paul Pierce, and Dennis Rodman.
A streetwear brand like Supreme needs no introduction, but Japanese fashion label BAPE can’t be overlooked either. A Bathing Ape is best known for their eye-catching all-over camouflage design, as well as collaborations with iconic brands like OVO, Comme des Garcons, and even Supreme itself. No matter which brand you pick, a t-shirt from either streetwear giant is guaranteed to be a year-round staple in your wardrobe.
Thanks to more than two decades of releases, there’s no shortage of apparel, accessories, and random ornaments to show your affinity towards Supreme. Whether it’s a hat, keychain, or a bag, STAY FRESH has the perfect item to show your allegiance while still staying true to a budget.
Los Angeles-based designer Jerry Lorenzo has become one of the biggest names in fashion. His mainstay label, Fear of God, is a staple in elevated streetwear and the brand’s sibling company, Essentials, is coveted by many for offering a familiar cut and luxurious feel at a fraction of the price. Whether it’s a t-shirt, track pants, or their infamous hoodies and crewnecks, Essentials is a must-have for any wardrobe.
There’s been no shortage of great sneaker releases over the past year, especially if you’re a fan of the swoosh. New models like the Space Hippie, an ambitious Nike collection created of “space junk” and recycled materials, are literally turning trash into treasure. Additionally, storied models like the Nike Air Max 90 and the Nike Air Zoom Spiridon have also seen a revival.
So whether you’re looking to bring back a blast from the past, or rock the latest in sneaker development and technology, Nike has something for everyone.
The Air Jordan 5 is a staple in the world of sneakers, recognized by new and old Jordan fans alike. And while the silhouette has seen multiple iterations, including recent collaborations with Virgil Abloh’s Off-White, the “Fire Red” colourway is the one that started it all.
First worn nearly three decades ago on March 28, 1990, the Chicago Bulls bested the Cleveland Cavaliers in overtime, with Jordan posting a career-high 69 points.
Supreme’s box logo is most commonly seen on crewnecks and hoodies but let’s be real -- thicker pieces just don’t work for year-round use. Fortunately, the skate and streetwear brand has released plenty of long sleeve tees that also don the famous box logo, meaning that the hype and status of Supreme can be rocked at any time of the year.
If the KAWS lover in your life is looking for a more substantial gift, Donnelly’s vinyl figures are the perfect place to start. Available in a variety of characters, sizes, and poses, the figures serve as a nod to the artist’s most famous image, while doubling as both a collectible and an art piece.
Despite being nearly three-years-old, the Yeezy Boost 350 V2 remains one of the most popular silhouettes in the world of sneakers -- not to mention, it’s arguably the face of Kanye West’s sneaker empire. Sporting a primeknit upper consisting of grey and black and a light gum sole, the V2 “Carbon” might be one of the best Yeezys of the year.
Boasting a similar colours to the “Rookie of the Year” and the “Travis Scott,” the Air Jordan 1 Retro High “Mocha” is arguably the most popular Jordan release of 2020. The silhouette combines a dark brown suede, a black swoosh and accents, and sail leather, and will undoubtedly be a coveted sneaker for years to come.
Daniel Arsham’s Future Relics collection reinvents some of the most common, everyday objects in a dystopian world far into the future. The New York-based artist reimagines basketballs, books. Clocks, telephones, and even sneakers -- not to mention, much of his work includes collaborations with names such as Adidas, Dior, and Disney.
Created by Japanese company MediCom Toy, Bearbricks have become an artistic and cultural icon. The 1000%, which stands at 70 centimeters tall, serves as both a phenomenal collectable and centrepiece for streetwear and sneaker collectors alike. Not to mention, the brand has released iconic collaborations over the past few years, including names such as BAPE, KAWS, Canada Goose, and Herschel.
While Virgil Abloh has released more than a dozen collaborations with Nike, the Off-White Air Jordan 1 is likely his most popular and recognizable. Released in 2017 as part of “The Ten,” the Air Jordan 1 was reimagined with the theme of “revealing.”
The silhouette was designed with the intent of looking hand-cut, open-source, and reconstructed. “The Ten” was also one of the fastest collaborations that Nike ever completed, with Abloh adding that most of the creative decisions were made in the first three hours, and the design taking place over the following days.
The Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Supreme Red Cement” wasn’t the first release between Nike SB and the skateboarding brand, but it’s arguably the most popular. The silhouette was released in July 2012 as part of the Taped Box era at Supreme stores in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Tokyo, and celebrated the 10-year anniversary between the two brands. Mixing a bold red colour palette and grey elephant print, the Supreme Red Cement is just as iconic as it was back then.
The Nike Dunk Low Pro SB “Diamond Dunk” is widely considered one of the first Dunks to go viral. It’s also one of the most sought after to this day. Released in August of 2005 as part of the Pink Box era, the sneaker was actually leaked early after Nick Tershay, Diamond Co. founder, posted a photo of the colourway and concept before its official release.
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Written by: Vincent Plana
Photography: Andrew Lau