On July 20, 1969, astronaut Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin Jr., lunar module pilot of the first lunar landing mission, poses for a photograph beside the deployed United States flag during Apollo 11 extravehicular activity on the lunar surface.Image: NASA General Electric is taking a “small step” into sneaker design to commemorate the role — or rather, sole — it had in mankind’s first “giant leap” on the moon. Forty-five years to the day, hour and minute after Apollo 11 moonwalkers Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made the first manned lunar landing at 4:18 p.m. EDT on Sunday, July 20, GE will release for sale its new moon boot-inspired, limited edition sneakers, “The Missions.” The company, which is perhaps publicly better known for its consumer appliances and lighting products, provided in 1969 the silicone rubber that was used to create the now-iconic tread that lined the bottom of the Apollo moon boot. GE also produced the Lexan polycarbonate plastic used in forming the astronauts’ bubble helmets. “To celebrate the 45th anniversary of the original lunar landing and the sci-fi super materials that made it happen, GE and JackThreads decided to partner up to take that moon boot and create an updated, street-ready version so damn impressive, people will think whoever is wearing it might be from outer space,” men’s clothier JackThreads described on its website. The sneakers, which are strictly limited to just 100 pairs, are set to go on sale Sunday exclusively on JackThreads for $196.90 commemorating the year of the moon landing. The shoes will be sold on a first come, first served basis, with delivery expected in September. GE debuted “The Missions” on July 16, on the anniversary of Apollo 11’s launch atop a Saturn V rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, using the social network Snapchat. The company also invited Buzz Aldrin to use the photo messaging service to share stories of his voyage to the moon and showed him wearing a pair of the sneakers. The unisex “Missions,” which were designed with the help of luxury shoemaker Android Homme, feature an off-white and gray color scheme with a translucent, thermoplastic sole. The redesigned moon boots have components made from the same lightweight carbon fiber used for jet engine components, and they sport a hydrophobic coating similar to the materials that are used to prevent ice from forming on wind turbine blades. “We re-imagined our lunar kicks with next-gen materials pulled from the belly of bad ass jet engines … to not only commemorate GE’s contribution to space flight but also our shared excitement for future awesome things,” stated JackThreads. GE intends “The Missions” sneakers to draw attention to the advanced materials being developed in its labs today, Linda Boff, executive director of global brand marketing at GE, told Ad Age magazine. “By highlighting super materials like stabilized carbon fiber and hydrophobic coating in our limited-edition sneakers, it helps people relate to the power of these technologies,” she said. The Mission sneakers. Image: General Electric Aldrin […]
These days, it’s not just print and television that secure dedicated campaigns — Instagram and Vine are getting them, too. Earlier this week, Polo Ralph Lauren began rolling out a series of nine 15-second videos on Instagram as part of its “Polo Ralph Lauren Survival Guide.” As of Sunday, seven of the videos have rolled out, demonstrating, for example, how to pitch a tent (see below), how to start a fire and how to chill and uncork a bottle of champagne. The videos aren’t practical guides, of course. Rather, they provide a backdrop to Polo Ralph Lauren’s cable-knit sweaters, down jackets and leather boots. A company spokesperson said they’re designed “to capture the essence of the new Polo collections — the Explorer’s Club and Country Gentleman,” collections that are both “rugged yet wearable.” The entire campaign was shot and edited on an iPhone, according to the company. And judging by the image, below, it had an impressive iPhone rig to work with. Although Ralph Lauren denied any connection, the videos remind us of Lowe’s wildly popular Fix in Six Vine campaign, which offers a series of home-improvement tips in six-second videos. (The campaign recently won Mashable‘s Best in Show award at The Mashies.) Image: Polo Ralph Lauren Read more: http://mashable.com/2013/10/13/polo-ralph-lauren-instagram/
googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display(‘VN_PG_DTBT_ATF’); }); In the world of men’s fashion, there’s nothing I enjoy more than a good bow tie. I’m just so fascinated by the whimsy they provide while maintaining a professional look. With that being said, I don’t actually own any bow ties and if we’re being completely honest, I don’t even know how to tie a basic necktie. But if you’re like me, and want to try pulling off the bow tie look, but don’t have the required materials, this life hack is for you. In just a few easy steps you can transform your average necktie into its close relative, the bow tie. Go from drab to dapper with this cool bow tie hack. Someone give me a reason to dress up so I can try out this fancy fashion trick. Read more: http://www.viralnova.com/bow-tie-hack/
On your clothes, between your couch cushions or tossed in drawers — everywhere you go, you’ve got sew many buttons. Buttons are not just a cheap and accessible craft supply, they’re also a trendy item that’s taking over DIY boards on Pinterest. These versatile tools are a must-have item in any craft kit. With so many colors, sizes and styles available in your stockpile, it’s easy to look cute as a button. Button DIY Projects 1. Paperclips Add some pizzazz to your office supplies, or use them as bookmarks. Image: Etsy CraftyBitzandBobz 2. Bookmarks Some pretty ribbon fastened with a covered button is a charming way to keep your place in your current novel. Image: Etsy frolickingleaves 3. Thumbtacks Dress up your cork boards with some tiny pops of color. Image: @inspiredbycharm on Instagram 4. Magnets If your refrigerator is looking a bit drab lately, pin your important papers and notes with cute, colorful dots. Image: Erlend Johansen Morning Creativity 5. Bobby Pins Add an accent to your ‘do by adding fashionable buttons to your functional bobby pins. Image: Etsy MyKookieJar 6. Belt Dress up any outfit with a quirky belt of buttons. Image: Erlend Johansen Morning Creativity 7. Buttoned Infinity Scarf Give your old scarf an update by turning it into a stylish buttoned infinity scarf. Image: P.S. Heart 8. Vintage Button Bracelet Lace together vintage buttons for a pretty, new accessory. Image: Drew Scott Scrappy Happiness 9. Covered Button Earrings Covered buttons are a cheap, easy way to wear buttons without looking like a little kid. Image: Etsy CraftbyCandlelight 10. Vintage Button Ring Turn that stray vintage button you found at the thrift shop into a fashionable ring. Image: Etsy TheWitchingHour 11. Vintage Button Statement Necklace Or, stack a ton of buttons for a runway-worthy statement necklace. Image: Etsy DalstonLane 12. Shoes Arrange some colorful buttons for a pair a shoes that will add some spring in your step. Image: Alexa Westerfield I Love To Creae 13. Embellished Pillow You can arrange buttons to easily create any kind of customized shape. Image: Kathy Lewinski Just Crafty Enough 14. Framed Wall Art Some buttons are so beautiful, they need to be displayed as a work of art. Image: Amy Anderson Mod Podge Rocks 15. Clock Clocks are a snap to make. Take a clock kit and am embroidery hoop from your local craft store and use buttons as your clock face. Image: Jessica Van Den Epheriell Designs 16. Giant Wall Buttons Turn patterned plastic plates into oversized wall buttons — perfect for any craft room or work space. Image: Jen Kluftinger Drawings Under The Table 17. Lamp Shade Just a few buttons are all it takes to dress up a plain lamp shade. Image: Lesley Warren Chaotically Creative 18. Woven Coaster Make coasters that all your party guests will notice with colorful embroidery floss and plastic buttons. Image: Linda Permann Craft Stylish Read more: http://mashable.com/2014/08/17/button-diy/
