The Nike x Travis Scott Air Max 270 “Cactus Trails” channels how Travis Scott escapes reality through his own imagination, into a world he and his fans get lost in. The design brings together a 90s attitude and aesthetic with a well-worn feel. The browns, tans, and oranges at the painted base layer of the exposed foam are derived from a trail-inspired style of overlays with a color palette akin to Travis Scott’s affinity for vintage style.The midsole combines Nike React foam, with a 270-degree air unit at the heel. The waves on the upper act as an extension of the embedded grooves of the midsole, while fleece at the ankle provides a bit of plush, comfortable appeal. TheCactus Jack logo appears at the heel-tab and insole, while a retro colored lace-lock holds onto the tongue-tab. Available in Adult, Preschool and Toddler versions.
The trail-inspired Nike x Travis Scott Apparel Collection is the embodiment of uniting sportswear comfort with utility. Included are a hoodie, sweatpants and t-shirt. With cargo features, the hoodie and sweatpants are ideal for the individual who won’t sacrifice comfort for function, and vice versa. Rounding out the collection is the accompanying pocket t-shirt.
Nike has created an interactive website featuring some augmented reality elements, check it out here. Check it out and be sure sign up for our Nike x Travis Scott 270’s raffle here!
The West Coast, specifically the Los Angeles area has been a primary contributor to streetwear culture through various mediums like art, skate, surf & music. Check out a few of our favorite brands from Southern California & shop these looks online!
Based in Los Angeles, Noon Goons was created by Kurt Narmore in 2016. The brand is immensely inspired the Narmore’s roots in skate and surf. A “noon goon” is in fact a term for tourists that show up to the beach at noon, after all the real surfers have left for the day to work their day jobs.
Driven by funky prints, cozy outerwear, and graphic T-shirts, this brand is sure to catch eyes. Los Angeles street and surf culture is a well known fashion catalyst, and Narmore does a great job staying authentic to the culture, as he still operates in that community to keep the grassroots feel alive. The addition of industry veteran Sam Jarou (formerly of Comme des Garcons) as creative director has helped take the brand from the streets of LA to Dover Street Market.
The brand “Stussy” started some time in the early 1980s by founder, Shawn Stussy. He initially crafted custom surf boards in the Southern California area and began scrawling his surname on his handcrafted surfboards with a broad tipped marker. The logo which has defined the brand started in the early 1980s was actually derived from that of his uncle, Jan Stussy. He began using the logo on T-shirts, shorts and caps that he sold out of his car around Laguna Beach, California. The company ultimately gained its footing during rise surfer culture, ushered in by Orange County, California. Since its inception, it has largely been adopted by streetwear, hip-hop & a multitude of subcultures & scene.
In a 1992 interview Stussy said: “Everybody calls it surf wear, or urban streetwear, or surf street… I don’t name it, and I don’t name it on purpose.”
Norwood’s designer and creative director Ali Saint Qureshi was born in Paris, France, and arrived to the US at a very young age. Drawing upon his affinity for youth suburban culture and love for the city of Angels, Norwood’s designer wishes to remain unknown so that, he may have the brand and its representation of urban culture remain pure- without diluting it. The love for Rock N Roll, Punk Rock, HipHop, Skateboarding, Sports and diverse ethnic cultures, has encompassed what Norwood is all about.
Norwood was created and founded in 2017 on the principles that NO labels are the ONLY labels. NOR is not for the cool people, it’s for ALL people, it’s an exclusive house party that everyone is invited to. This Los-Angeles born and made brand combines luxury street aesthetic with timeless quality textiles to deliver a unique streetwear wardrobe. The influences of punk rock and hiphop are evident in Norwood’s designs. Featuring premium materials, clean-lined cuts, bold graphics, and unexpected character details, Norwood’s range of essential t-shirts French terry hoodies, lounge wear and denim convey a perfect amount of casual refinement with streetwear. All Norwood production is Los Angeles based.
Founded by Rhuigi Villaseñor in 2013, Rhude is a design venture to showcase ready-to-wear collections. Rhude focuses on minimalistic effortless style mixed with streetwear sensibilities, using fine fabrics and focus on fit. Rhude celebrates the youth and elegance through simple and functional clothes.
Rhuigi’s brand gained notoriety in 2012 when he created a black bandana print shirt that would be worn by Kendrick Lamar at the BET Awards. With no plans to actually sell the shirt, he was talked into creating the brand by Chris Stamp and Guillermo Andrade, designers of Stampd and 424, respectively. He went on to intern for Taz Arnold and TISA while taking pattern making classes and styling artists like Big Sean. He was able to fine tune his craft while building influential relationships throughout the industry that would ultimately help catapult his company to the forefront of streetwear.
First unveiled on foot at the 2019-2020 media day. the LeBron 7 is built strong and sleek. The purple and yellow nod to his L.A. endeavors, while metal accents and LeBron crests celebrate the king. Full-length Air cushioning graces your every step with Clutch Cushioning Max Air technology, Nike Basketball’s largest Air unit to date. It runs the full length of the shoe, delivering responsive cushioning for the court. A foam midsole adds plush comfort during possessions. Bold accents reflect Los Angeles yellow and purple hues. Metal details and LeBron’s signature crest honors one of the game’s fiercest competitors. A rubber outsole offers traction and durability to help you make quick cuts in and out of the paint. It uses bi-colored details that mimic the upper for a unified look. Leather in the upper for a premium look and feel. Padded collar for a soft, comfortable feel.
In honor of its 30th anniversary, Nike is reintroducing the Air Max 90 in a lush new color-way that blends glowing accents with jungle-inspired vibes. This vibrant take on a the cult-classic definitely catches the eye. The upper consists of a base of lightweight mesh covered in bright hits of ghost green, masked by overlays of the muted camo. Contrasting accents of black and white on the outsole, laces, quarter panel and heel complete the look. Scoop these when they release 5/15 at 9am on WishATL.com
Let us be honest, moms do it all. They work hard, nurture, teach, comfort and sometimes save the world. With Mother’s Day around the corner, we are visiting some of our favorite moms in tv and film. Whether you are social distanced far from your mom or just cannot escape her, sit down with some of these recommended movies and shows and give her a gift from our hand-selected items from these looks inspired by iconic moms.
Rainbow Johnson (Tracee Ellis Ross) – Black-Ish (2014 – Present)
Beatrix “The Bride” Kiddo (Uma Thurman) – Kill Bill Vol.1 &2 (2003, 2004)
The Bride is a prime example of what happens when you harm a mother’s child, even if that child is yet to be born. She spends two films violently disposing of anyone that conspired against her and anyone that stands by their side. Befitting a woman with the codename Black Mamba. Her iconic jumpsuit and Asics sneakers are reproduced in perfect work from home fashion with Rhude Warm Up Shorts, UFU Ad t-shirt, Onitsuka Tiger Corsair X, and matching Carhartt WIP accessories.
Sarah Connor (Linda Hamilton) – The Terminator 2 (1991)
While The Bride in Kill Bill is scary from virtually beginning to end, Sarah Connor is the ultimate example of character development. She goes from Damsel in Distress in the first film in The Terminator franchise to a rugged warrior and fugitive that poses as much of a danger to her foes as they do to her. Nike Sportswear Woven Cargo Pants, Stussy Deluxe Multi-Function Vest, and the Sunday Somewhere Wilder Shades make for a perfectly apocalyptic mom fit. The Nike Vapormax 360 is the perfect sneaker for taking on androids whether you are running from, or running after, them.
Rachel Marron (Whitney Houston) – The Bodyguard (1992)
Whitney Houston’s role opposite Kevin Costner was an extension of herself. A successful music star, single-mother and Oscar nominee. Hopefully the stalker and murderer parts of the film where just added for plot. Houston pulls off a variety of looks throughout the movie, but a favorite is in the scene in which she asks her bodyguard on a date in a timeless workout fit. This is recreated with Jordan Tights and Body Con Crop Top, both from Jordan Brand’s first women’s clothing collection. Worn under a Drole De Monsieur Slogan Cropped Jacket and with white Rhude Stripe Socks and Air Jordan 4 “Rasta,” this is a great fit for essentials shopping or going on a walk with a special someone.
Marge Simpson (voiced by Julie Kavner) – The Simpsons (1989 – Present)
The matriarch of television’s longest-running sitcom family, Marge Simpson is the glue that held The Simpsons together. In true sitcom fashion, she is the moralistic voice to her Homer’s constant antics. An underrated character, Marge has one of the most iconic looks in television history and the Nike Sportswear NSW Fleece Skirt and Shortsleeve Crop-Top bring that look to life in a wearable and fun way. The Nike Air Max Verona “Guava Ice” accents the fit well without going overboard. Together it is the perfect fit for a mom whether she is at home or the mayor, a model, author, teacher, crime scene investigator, body builder and so on. Your probably did not realize Marge has successfully held that many jobs. Yep, she has range.
The latest release from Jordan Brand brings us another Royal look at the Jordan 1. From the lineage of the OG Black Royal & in the likeness of the recent “Bred Toe” color-blocking, we have the “Royal Toe” arriving this weekend. Buttery soft white leather on the side panel gives the bold Swoosh an added pop, just below the vintage & timeless wings logo on the upper.
Grab this release on WishATL.com this Saturday 5/9 @ 9AM EST
“May you live in interesting times”… As you shelter in place and work from home, here is a curated collection of vibes and zones for you. This is Wishful Thinking vol. 006…
As we continue to long for human interaction during the “age of social distancing” we have turned to vicariously partying through these films of epic ragers. Check out some of our favorite party night movies and peep the fits that we’d wear to the functions! Shop the looks here online!
House Party (1990)
Kid ‘n Play do what they do best, rapping and dancing their way through an hour and a half of shenanigans in House Party. So a fun, colorful, lighthearted outfit is befitting of such an infectiously energetic movie. The Stussy Deluxe Baroque shirt has a fun pattern and pairs well with Purple slim fit painted pants. The white Rhude socks and white Air Max 1 DNA sneaker make this into a turly 90s-inspired fit. Bonus: You are as cool as Play in the movie if you can pull off a lime green Carhartt bucket with white and purple sneakers.
Project X (2012)
Project X is the tale of three high school friends that decide to increase their popularity by throwing the most unforgettable house party ever, then proceed to succeed beyond their wildest dreams. The nature of the film made a corresponding outfit extremely fun to bring together. The “Xtasea” Spiral Tie Dye t-shirt is more than necessary; as are the breathable Stussy Deluxe Jacquard Nylon Shorts are perfect for surviving a party featuring wall-to-wall chaos. Steel New Balance X-Racer sneakers (with no socks), a backwards Carhartt dad cap and yellow-lensed Chinatown Market Smiley glasses bring together a look fit for a party you wouldn’t want your mom to know about.
National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978)
John Belushi is a legend. That has nothing to do with any of this, but it needed to be stated. Feuding fraternity houses and a sabotaging dean make for a classic farce with an epic toga party. The ensemble inspired by the film is based on two classic college boy looks worn by Belushi in the film. The first outfit is a plaid short-college sweatshirt combo and the other includes a track jacket worn over a button up shirt in a way that only a 1970s frat boy could. A Stripe Zip Neck Polo Shirt layered over a Laurel Wreath Shell Jacket, from the Fred Perry x Beams collection, modernizes this look well. A bit of edge is brought to the look by the Patwork Short by Norwood Chapters and the Adidas Consortium x Human Made Superstar 80s.
Superbad (2007)
Superbadstars Michael Cera and a budding menswear style icon in Jonah Hill, as two high school buddies pledged to a night of debauchery before they go to separate colleges. This look needs to fit a kid that has no idea what they are in for. BornxRaised Live and Die Shorts with a striped Carhartt WIP tee is a fit that is a innocent and rambunctious as the film’s co-stars. The innocence is played up by a timeless Noon Goons stripe sock and Onitsuka Tiger Horizonia. The Rokit hip bag lets everyone in the party know you are over prepared, probably because you are not used to being there.
American Pie (1999)
Half of the budget for this film must have gone towards short-sleeved button-up shirts. This is perfect for a teen comedy in a midwest setting, that would go on to be called “gross and tasteless” by critics. Worn with, Reese Cooper cargo pants and Nike Air Tailwind 79 sneakers, this outfit could be worn by Stifler himself. The Rhude socks, Commes Des Garcon Man fragrance, and Boy Smells candle are all fitting accessories for impressing someone you would do anything to be near.
This week’s mix is presented by DJ Dark Knight of Spillage Village and features EarthGang sharing some of their favorite food spots, cities to tour in and dream VERZUZ battles.
In an effort to help combat Covid-19 and help support the city that supports us, we have partnered with two Atlanta based brands to provide limited edition masks over two weeks. Proceeds from the sales of these masks will be donated to Meals On Wheels as they work to help flatten the curve by providing meals by delivery to the elderly & those most at risk for the virus.
Last week we released the first of the series featuring Stevie Pettus’ Atlanta based, SurrenderAmerica. Aside from the top of the line cut & sew pieces, the brand also serves as a support and empowerment system for those battling mental health disorders. We previously collaborated on DIY T-Shirt Workshop for Black History Month.
This Friday, we are releasing the second of the collection. This capsule is designed by Latif of Wisdom Fashion House. WFH combines fashion and animation to narrate its story & speak out on issues that seemingly get swept under the rugs of society. Wisdom was also the winner of our inaugural Battle of the Brands.
Adidas Consortium and the New York based boutique, Extra Butter provide and elegant take on sports and its rich heritage with this release. The SC Premiere and Adilette Slides are reconstructed with a one-of-a-kind cream colored cable knit Primeknit™ giving them an elevated “extra buttery” flair. Check out “deets” below and pick them up here on our site before they melt!
The SC Premiere features creamy leather & cableknit with touches of navy and scarlet on the jacquard heel stripe. Extra Butter unveils a new logo, which can be found on the heel, as well as “Brand With the 3 Stripes” branding on the medial side.
The Adilette Slides boast some material upgrades as the molded straps are replaced with the cableknit and jacquard striping.
We have enjoyed our Earth Week here at Wish ATL with a rare restock, guest DJ mix and an appearance from EarthGang. Now we have a selection of films that highlight everything our planet has to offer while bringing to mind why it is important for us to take care of it. Check out these classic Earth themed offerings and shop our collection of pieces made with sustainably sourced materials.
Avatar (2009)
James Cameron’s epic features an ensemble cast, beautiful landscapes and spared no resources in making it all come together. While taking place in a fictional setting, the film touches on themes of colonization, harvesting natural resources and how these practices can disrupt the people and animals that inhabit those areas. Now that 4K UHD is available, it is as good a time as any to revisit this film in all its splendor.
One Life (2011)
A bit more lighthearted than the other films on this list, this Daniel Craig-narrated BBC documentary balances the astonishing and adorable. If you love wildlife films, this is a go-to. The directors made sure to employ great camerawork in showing the types of creatures that share our planet.
Gorillas in the Mist (1988)
Sigourney Weaver actually traveled back to the site in Rwanda where Dian Fossey did her actual research for her portrayal of the famed scientist. The director sought out to relay the same message of the harms of gorilla poaching that Fossey did while there. One of the gorillas mentioned in the research even appears on screen. And for an added game, see if you can spot which gorillas are real and which ones are people in costumes.
An Inconvenient Truth (2006)
Former presidential nominee, Al Gore, won a Best Documentary Academy Award for his awareness raising documentary on environmental issues. Seen by some as before it’s time, this film initiated significant action in regards to tackling climate change and even includes ways that the audience themselves could contribute to the cause.
Baraka (1992)
Recent global events have reminded us that this planet is shared by everyone for the better and for the worst. This is captured better than ever in the Ron Fricke’s follow up documentary to Koyaanisqatsi, a similar documentary shot by his collaborator, Godfrey Reggio. There is no narrator or voice-over, as Fricke opts to allow the work to speak for itself. Shots of bustling cities, wildernesses and everything in between are presented as viewers are made witness to all that humanity had done up to the point of the documentary’s filming. Sit back and watch the world at work.
This edition of WISHFLIX is dedicated to Michael Jordan, the G.O.A.T. We broke down some classic game film to see if we can catch Mike wearing some of his legendary silhouettes from his championship seasons. Check out these classics, shop our Jordan selection & stay tuned for more info as we celebrate the “His Airness” this weekend with a special sale.
Air Jordan 5 (1990)
The first Jordan release of the 90’s did not disappoint! The AJ 5, designed by Tinker Hatfield, was a reference to WW2 fighter jets. This sneaker featured a ton of basketball firsts such as “icy” clear soles, lace locks, and 3M material to increase on court visibility as fans’ cameras flash. He actually didn’t win a championship this season. The Bulls were ousted by the “Bad Boy” Pistons in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Jordan VI (1991)
The Jordan VI is the sneaker that “His Airness” claimed his first NBA Championship & NBA Finals MVP award in. The design here was based on functionality primarily, many changes on this shoe came from suggestions he had that related to wearability on the court. The tongue has two holes in it to he was able to get the shoe on easier, the first molded heel tab appeared on this sneaker to improve comfort around the achilles. The number 23 is actually designed into the side of the sneaker.
Jordan VII (1992)
The Jordan VII was inspired by an African Art piece that was promoting AfroPop music. Tinker saw a poster, it was an image of someone playing a guitar shaped like Africa. The colorways of the sneaker were based all on patterns from the poster. Unlike previous models, the AJ VII did away with the visible Air unit in the heel and “Nike Air” logo on the heel. Jordan also wore this sneaker during the ’92 Olympics as part of the “Dream Team”
Jordan VIII (1993)
This release was Jordan Brands first stab at independence, feeling as if Jordan Brand has become strong enough on its own they opted for this shoe to not feature a Nike sign. The sneakers most prominent features are the cross straps and huarache lining for more flexible security.
Jordan 11 (1995)
The AJ 11 was the second release upon Jordans return to the game after taking a break to try his hand at baseball after dominating the league and winning 3 consecutive NBA titles. This sneaker became Mike’s favorite silhouette, so much that he wore the “Concords” for the entire regular season in which the Bulls put together a remarkable 72-10 season. This was the first sneaker to feature patent leather on the court. He battled his way back to the top in the Bred 11’s to claim his 4th title, first since “retiring”
Jordan 12 (1996)
The Air Jordan XII was released when the Chicago Bulls were trying to win their second NBA title in a row for 2nd time during Jordan’s tenure.of another possible championship for the second time in a row. They were the first Air Jordan to feature Zoom Air technology. Competing with new looks like Foamposites & Shox technology, the idea for sneaker was to go “high fashion.” Tinker took inspiration from women’s high heels and the pattern of the upper is reminiscent of the Japanese Rising Sun Flag.
Jordan XIII (1997)
The Jordan 13 was designed by Tinker with the idea of a panther in mind. Mike’s nickname amongst others was “black cat” for how we anticipated and attacked like a panther. The sole resembled as panthers paw and the bubble is hologram that gives it a “cat eyed” expression.
Jordan XIV (1998)
This is the final sneaker Jordan wore in a Bulls jersey. The XIV was designed after the Ferrari that Jordan left the arena in after beating the Jazz in the 1997 NBA Finals. They were premiered in the NBA finals in 1998, where they battled the Jazz for a second consecutive year. The “Last Shot” became iconic because not only did it seal them the championship, but it was his last shot in a Bulls jersey culminating a legendary run.
In light of this week’s release of the Jordan 6 Retro “Defining Moments” & “The Last Dance” Documentary, this is a Jordan themed mix for you to jam to while you do what you do to be the GOAT in your field.
Initially released in 2006 as part of the “Defining Moments Pack” paired with the Jordan 11, this release honors Michael Jordan’s two three-peat championship runs in 1991-93 and 1996-98. This time around its getting a solo release on the eve of the ESPN 30 For 30 premiere of “The Last Dance,” a 10-part documentary about the G.O.A.T.’s final championship season in ’98. Check out some detailed images of the drop below. Scoop this drop when it releases Saturday 4/18 FCFS on WishATL.com
Peep these Jordan Highlights From the ’98 season to get you warmed up for the show!
Art House is a genre of film encompassing films that have distinct artistically experimental style and content. These types of films are typically serious, feature lesser known actors & independently-produced due to the niche market appeal of the content. These films typically go on to be premiered at special theaters & film festivals like Sundance, Cannes & SxSW. As we continue head into World Art Day on April 15, this week’s WISHFLIX takes a look into some popular Arthouse films and features some accompanying looks from our shop-able Art-Inspired Collection!
Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (2004)
A tale of a failed relationship in which the two lovers decide to have their memories of the other erased, only to run into each other again. The look inspired by this story has to be the perfect first, and last, date outfit. A shirt featuring the instantly recognizable CDG heart logo seemed the best choice to pop in this fit. The DDM shorts and denim overshirt are a nod to the coastal, Montauk, New York setting of the film. Vans Sk8-Hi sneakers, a bright chartreuse Carhartt WIP bucket hat, and Grace by Grace Bennington fragrance bring together the playful, romantic, and reflective tone of both the outfit and the movie.
Mulholland Drive (2001)
The story of a woman who loses her memory in a car accident, then receives aid from a Hollywood hopeful. David Lynch’s 2001 neo-noir film is less about it’s characters and their motivations and more about the allure of Hollywood stardom. Dreams can be made and broken. This mood is reflected in the look featuring a Chinatown Market Cry button up shirt with an image that could have been taken the movie itself. Styled with a baggy, loose cut Noon Goon No Doubt pant, an attention grabbing fuchsia Stussy beanie and Adidas Terrex sneaker. This look just screams Hollywood’s next it kid.
Enter the Void (2009)
It would be wrong for an outfit inspired by a film featuring hallucinations and out-of-body experiences to not feature tie dye and this look does not disappoint. A MISBHV patched and tie dye tee are paired with a Stussy tie dye short for a disorienting patterned blocked look. The patch-dyed style of the shirt is in a similar spirit to the cinematography style of the Gaspar Noe’ directed film, which is virtually all overhead and POV shots. Chinatown Market yellow-lensed smiley glasses and a Stussy cuff beanie keep with the feel of the fit and the main character’s *ahem* lifestyle. The Vans Ultrarange Exo LX sneaker was made in collaboration with BILLY’s, a retailer based out of Tokyo, the main setting of the film.
Donnie Darko (2001)
A cult classic psychological thriller starring Jake Gyllenhaal as a troubled teen who follows the voices in his head to great lengths. Is he a savior to humanity or is he out of his mind? The outfit inspired by this film needs to also have equal parts, teen angst and savior complex. Pleasures relax fit denim jeans featuring the word “DESTROY” down the hip and “I DIED FOR YOUR SINS” on the opposite knee fit the bill perfectly. A black long sleeve Maharishi “2020 Vision” tee also tells people, “I see the full picture, even if you cannot.” A simple green Stussy dad cap and Adidas x Pharrell Williams Campus sneaker tone down the look for a very wearable look that is effortlessly cool, like the film’s titular character.
Brick (2005)
Brick is a neo-noir film, starring Joseph Gordon-Levitt and set in a California suburb. What does a high school hardboiled detective wear while taking on criminals and searching for a person in danger? Probably the same thing you would wear in California anyway, but darker. Carhartt WIP carpenter pants, white Stussy striped socks and black Vans Slip Ons. The Denim Jacket, White tee and sneakers are all pieces from the Vans x Jim Goldberg collection. A collection with a similarly dark and gritty tone to that of the film. And the Stussy beanie tops the look off because a detective needs a good hat.
This weeks edition of WISHFUL THINKING takes a dive into the Art world, as World Art Day is coming up on April 15. Detroit born & Morehouse grad, artist Horace Imhotep sat down with The Gallery at Wish ATL to talk about his background and his current body of work LIONS, TIGERS, BEARS AND A DRACO, slated to open in The Gallery in 2020! Bump this weeks mix featuring some soundbites from the interview, check out the transcript below & shop some of our art inspired pieces online here!
Michigan born Horace Imhotep received his BFA in graphic design in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl at the University of Miami, went into advertising soon after and ultimately landed in Atlanta to study Biology and Art History at Morehouse College. He has worked in many industries including jewelry making, but currently paints and designs for his brand Blood, Sweat and Tears. Horace’s fine art is visually quite special, if you are lucky enough to catch an exhibition or are close to the artist himself.
A Tasty Morsel (2016)
Transcript
Gallery : How did you get started in the arts? Horace : My mother introduced me to the world of art. When she was a college student, she used to let me run and roam around the art buildings. That is where I saw my first naked women; later, I came to discover that it was a life drawing class and the model was referred to as a “ nude” or “life drawing” model. My mother would drag my brother and I to museums and galleries often and regularly.
Gallery: Can you tell us about your current body of work Lion, Tigers, Bears and A Draco)? Horace:Lion, Tigers, Bears and A Draco is about a boy and his imagination. The artist statement for this collection is below, which is perfectly captured in words by Eden Araya:”In an alien nation where Ivorian rapacity breeds tricknology, what is left for a boy and his imagination? In a post-crack dystopia where childhood is robbed, the young black imagination redefines the hero’s journey as a framework to birth the conquering outlaw: where castles are traded for forty acres and swords for semi automatics. A dark, yet liberating hologram embedded in the psyche, this imagination lends itself as medicine for the disenfranchised youth. Much like the hero’s journey, however, the outlaw must return home to the simulated terror of reality. LTBAD illustrates a parable that explores the matrix of ancestral memory at the crossroads of Black subjugation.”
Gallery: Tell us a little bit about the painting Draco and Savage? Horace: It’s based on a Dubois Ideology. But the piece is of a kid and he is having an out of body experience. What you see is a spectrum of anger. You see him going from red hot to yellow hot to white hot to black. So basically saying that whatever you’ve done to this kid, it’s about to go really bad for whoever this energy is directed to. There are a lot of ancestral ties to my work and it’s aggressive. All of my work is coming from a real place and this is a piece that I felt like I was starting to evolve because it speaks to where I am right now.
Gallery: What does your work aim to say? Does your work comment on current or political issues? Horace: I don’t want to say much; I’m no wordsmith, but imagery is the future. Big words mean very little in certain rooms. I always try to be in “the now”, but make references to the past to give context to the present.
Gallery: How has practice changed over time? Have you always painted in such a graphic way? Horace: My practice has become push for minimal. As I evolve, or hope to evolve, I look to need to use less to convey more.
Gallery: Who/what are your biggest influences? Horace: My influences are myself, my mother and father, the ancestors, Charles White, Caravaggio, Lichtenstein, Young Dolph, Dali, Bearden, Nipsey (R.I.P. to the Prophet) and Parks. The list goes on and on, but currently, these are the names at the forefront of my mind.
Gallery: Describe a real-life situation that inspired you? Horace: My work sometimes speaks to the beautiful uglies of the world.
Gallery: What do you like most about being an artist and why? Horace: Being an artist is oftentimes a love-hate relationship. To be the best artist, one must tell the truth. It can be her or his personal truth, but at the core there must be genuine and sincere truth. The why of being an artist is something I have never had a luxury of contemplating; I was designed to be who and what I am. I’m some sort of creative operating system. I just perform functions and tasks.
As we continue to wait for the world to return to normal so the NBA can (hopefully) resume, we considered this past week at Wish an ode to the ol’ roundball. From ESPN classics to watching current NBA stars battle it out in NBA 2k, the masses are in dire need of anything to keep us going during this drought.
The Wish team was able to tap in with Hawks fan favorite, 2K Cover athlete, sneaker connoisseur, & avid businessman – J Chill, or Josh Childress. He popped by our Instagram live with @malachiformayor to discuss everything from how he got started hooping in Compton, to hitting the big shot in the Final 4 for Stanford & ultimately being the 2K5 College Hoops cover athlete before beginning an exciting pro career. He shed a ton of light on the business of international basketball, life after the league and ultimately his top 3 sneakers! Check out the interview on SoundCloud, and shop our basketball collection as we gear up to (hopefully) get the season back!
This week, as we continue to long for basketball in the wake of social distancing, we’ve been getting our hoops fix through ESPN classic games & classic basketball films. We scoured some of favorite basketball movies for some awesome basketball sneaker cameos. Check them out below and definitely check out our selection of basketball sneakers here!
White Men Cant Jump (1992)
Kadeem Hardison as Junior in the 1993 film “White Men Can’t Jump” in the Air Jordan IV “Black Infrared” from 1991.
Celtic Pride (1996)
Damon Wayans as Lewis Scott for the Utah Jazz in the Jordan 11 Concords from 1995.
Like Mike (2002)
Lil Bow Wow (Calvin Cambridge) just ripped through a pair of Nike Blazers on court with Morris Chestnut donning the Air Jordan 9, originally released in 1993. The Jordan 9 was actually released when Mike went into baseball, so he never actually wore this on court until much later in his career as a member of the Washington Wizards.
Sunset Park (1996)
In this scene, a player from Washington Heights is wearing a pair a Jordan 3 “Black/Cement” on court, very shortly after the shoes first retro release.
Above The Rim (1994)
This is a shot of Shep (Leon Robinson) playing the best game ever seen by a man in khakis. I attribute his success on court to the classic Adidas Pro Model (1970) he’s wearing in the game.
He Got Game (1998)
The Nike Foamposite “Pearl” from 1997 on Ray Allen (Jesus Shuttlesworth) & The Air Jordan 13 later dubbed the “He’s Got Game’s” on Denzel Washington in this classic hoop film.
Hoop Dreams (1994)
Arthur Agee in the Converse ERX 200 (1987). Converse was a major player in the world of basketball sneakers in the 70’s & 80’s and this was a choice amongst the games best hoopers at the time.
Love & Basketball (2000)
Quincy McCall portrayed by Omar Epps is rocking the Storm Blue Air Jordan 1 as a player at Crenshaw Highschool.
