For most children, receiving piles of presents from friends and family is the highlight of their birthday party. But for one special Indiana girl on her ninth birthday, it meant collecting new and gently worn shoes from her friends to donate to Soles4Souls (S4S), the Nashville, TN-based shoe charity.
Are luxury goods makers shifting attention to their eco quotient to save face as their market flags? The Wall Street Journal reports on recent steps high-end companies have taken to express commitment to environmental pursuits, such as Tiffany & Co. devoting its window displays to a showcase of its coral reef protection efforts and Barneys’ promotion of Keds by Loomstate organic sneakers.
Keen got an early start on summertime adventures. As part of the brand’s HybridLife Days in-store initiative, shoppers at participating retail locations can enter the HybridLife Adventure Trip Sweepstakes by filling out a card that asks “Where will your Keen shoes take you?” The Grand Prize winner receives a trip for two on a Bryce and Zion National Park Adventure—a 6-day excursion packed with mountain biking, rock climbing, canyoneering and hiking.
We’re not sure what to make of this look from French designer Eric Tibusch, but hey—if this becomes a hot accessory trend, perhaps the industry will see an uptick in sales.
Beginning this month, aspiring singer/songwriters can post an original song on YouTube for a chance to become the voice of Nine West Vintage America Collection. The winner of the Vintage America Voices Contest will be featured in the December issue of Lucky magazine and have the opportunity to record and release a single through Sony/ATV Music Publishing’s in-house label, Hickory Records.
Just in time for summer adventures, Amazon.com is amplifying its outdoor selection and its reputation as a one-stop shop with an Outdoor Recreation store. The new portal, a department accessible from its main Web site, is the Seattle-based e-tailer’s response to a popularity surge in its camping and hiking categories. In addition to offering an expanded selection of apparel, footwear and gear, Mark McDonald, senior marketing manager for Sport and Outdoors at Amazon.com, expects the site to become a forum for the outdoor community.
Sheri Poe, founder of Ryka athletic footwear and most recently CEO of Swiss Masai USA, makers of MBT, has joined Los Angeles-based comfort and wellness brand Alegria Shoes to spearhead marketing efforts.
Macbeth Footwear’s limited-edition sneaker designed by Mike Dirnt, bass player for the popular alternative rock band Green Day, is racking up donations for Soles4Souls.
Sold exclusively at Journeys since June, the “45 RPM Schubert” (available in lo- and hi-top versions) is priced at $79.99 retail and, according to Macbeth representatives, is 100-percent vegan with zero animal products used in the construction. The shoe comes in black highlighted with distressed gold lining and eyelets and showcases custom 45 RPM record artwork.
Between Aug. 1 and Sept. 18, actors Zach Braff and Donald Faison are trying to donate 50,000 pairs of shoes to people in need around the world. But they can’t do it alone so they are enlisting the help of industry members and everyday citizens to reach their goal.
A $5 donation provides two pairs of shoes. Donate 10 pairs for $25 and receive a Soles4Souls keychain. Give 20 pairs for $50 and you’ll receive a free pair of limited-edition thongs. Donate 40 pairs with a gift of $100 and receive your very own Soles4Souls T-shirt.
Costa Mesa, CA-based I.E. Distribution, makers of the World Industries skate brand, signed a license agreement to produce and distribute footwear for the urban-themed DADA and DADA Supreme labels for North America.
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