Baby, it's cold outside, so let us warm you up with another flaming dose of footwear and collectable goodness in this POTM edition.
Boulder-based innovator Nicole McLaughlin is renowned for her wacky approach to functionality. From Carhartt WIP toolbelt bras to orange peel Keen sandals, let's just say her work is slightly unconventional. After teaming up with Crocs and Vans, Nicole's collaborative portfolio has grown again, working with Merrel and Hoka on a duo of incredible outdoor-ready silhouettes.
As a self-confessed lover of mocs, Nicole revived the Moc Speed Streak for her Merrell collab. Typical of her thrifty designs, "The Moc-Laughlin'' is built from a blend of recycled and sustainable materials, including recycled cow suede, breathable mesh, and a plant-based material across the top. For her take on HOKA's Mafate Three2, Nicole added a removable, five-pocket gaiter – well, you can never have too much storage space when you're out on the trails.
Three more top-drawer collaborations find their way onto this month's picks. Let's dig in…
1. Nike Air Jordan 5 x A Ma Maniére "Dusk"
Dressed in a simple palette, A Ma Maniére's Jordan 5 "Dusk" is an understated stunner. Regal-inspired, fine black suede uppers, contrasting accents, and co-branding throughout. What's not to love?
2. ASICS x Kiko Kostadinov GEL-TEREMOA "Obsidian/Smoke"
Kiko and ASICS's long-running partnership has reached the next step in its evolution with the introduction of an all-new unisex line, ASICS NOVALIS. The line centres around a new creation, the GEL-TEREMOA, which debuts with the typical techy Kiko style we've grown to expect.
3. New Balance x UP THERE 1906RUP
UP THERE has followed on from its 'Backyard Legends' 2002R duo with a shiny spin on the 1906R. The 1906RUP features monochromatic shades of silver and grey across the top, with reflective hits for low-light visibility. We're very big fans of this one.
Now for a couple of bits that may have flown under our radar in October…
Firstly, Nike announced its 19th annual Doernbecher Freestyle Collection. This year's fund-raising collection boasts six new kid-designed projects drawing from each patient's journey and personality. Later in December, we'll be treated to an Air Jordan 3, a Nike Dunk High, a Nike Go FlyEase, a Nike ACG Mountain Fly 2 Low, a Nike Cortez and a Nike Air Max 1 '86. Fantastic silhouettes from fantastic designers for a fantastic cause.
Another piece we missed last month was Sneep Crew and jumiArchives Pro Thunder "1987 Cracked Orange". A follow-up to the duo's Jordan-inspired "Cracked Blue" pair, this time around the Pro Thunder landed in time for Halloween dressed in pumpkin-like orange accents.
Moving on from footwear, if you've followed MORPRIME Industries™ for quite some time, you should know how much we adore Oakley. We were obviously over the moon when we heard that the MUZM Mars X-Metal Leather glasses were returning after a 25-year hiatus; and slightly less excited when we saw their price.
Just look at them, though – they're sci-fi beauties, built with an equally sci-fi-sounding laser sintering 3-D-printing process. Apparently, this technique melts down X-Metal powder to yield a strengthened structured form. Do we know exactly what that means? Hell no. Are we obsessed with how supervillainous it sounds? Hell yes.
There's been two brilliant exhibitions that have caught our eyes recently.
Up north at Newcastle Contemporary Art, Adidas and END. teamed up on “Originals Newcastle presented by adidas SPEZIAL”. Like each previous adidas SPEZIAL exhibition, we were treated to a look into the rarities and hidden gems of the Adi archive. Exclusive to the event, lucky revellers could also get their mitts on two limited-edition books, one looking at the legendary Gazelle and the other exploring all things Superstar. We're praying they'll get a wider release soon.
The second exhibition on our radar, Lovewatts presents KEO XMEN Exhibition, is currently taking place on Sackville Street, London, until the 20th of December. If you're a fan of graffiti artists, you probably already know about KEO XMEN. But for those unfamiliar, Blake "KEO" Lethem (aka Lord Scotch 79) is a graffiti artist and designer renowned for his NYC subway style. KEO has worked with numerous hip-hop legends over the years, but one piece calls to us more than any other: MF DOOM's iconic Operation: Doomsday artwork. Viewing the exhibition is usually by appointment, but there's an open day on the 9th of December, so make sure you get yourself down and don't miss out.
We often like to round these posts off with an aspirational piece; this month, it's Polestar's futuristic Synergy concept car. Perhaps we'll one day go for a spin in the Tron-esque vehicle; until then, we'll keep dreaming.
Transport yourself back to our REPORTS hub for even more servings of knowledge.