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  • Botter & Reebok’s 3D-Printed New Sneakers

    Botter & Reebok’s 3D-Printed New Sneakers

    A Bold Step Forward in Footwear Design

    The marriage of high fashion and sportswear has given birth to some of the most groundbreaking and avant-garde footwear designs in recent history. And as the world navigates the logistical challenges brought on by the pandemic, the industry has turned to 3D-printing tech as a means of creating futuristic products with less material waste, reduced dependence on in-person meetings, and streamlined manufacturing processes.

    Leading the charge in this arena are Paris-based fashion house BOTTER and sportswear giant Reebok, who have teamed up to unveil their latest offering: the Venus Comb Murex Shell shoe. This 3D-printed masterpiece draws inspiration from both retro football boots and the designer’s previous Banker shoe, while introducing a striking sculpted sole unit that has sparked comparisons to the unreleased YEEZY D ROSE.

    But the real story behind the shoe lies in its tooling, which takes its cue from the Murex seashells that the Greek goddess Venus is said to have used to comb her hair. The 3D-printing tech used to create the shoe was developed in partnership with HP Inc, a California-based institution, and the shoe is available in tonal black and pink styles, as well as a multi-colored version that nods to the designers’ appreciation for the Caribbean.

    In an official press release, the designers behind BOTTER, Rushemy Botter and Lisi Herrebrugh, shared their excitement about the project, saying

    The Reebok x Botter Sneaker is the beginning of a wonderful project. Our partnership with HP 3D Printing aims to create products that sit at the intersection of innovation, sustainability and luxury, and this is just the first step.

    The Venus Comb Murex Shell shoe is a bold and daring take on what is possible with 3D-printing technology in footwear design. It represents a marriage of high fashion and sportswear, while also pushing the boundaries of what we think is possible in terms of design and sustainability. As we look towards the future of the industry, it’s clear that BOTTER and Reebok are leading the charge in terms of innovation and forward-thinking.

    Keep an eye out for the official release details as we head into fall and winter.

  • Want to Break Into Cinema? Perform in An Indie Film!

    Want to Break Into Cinema? Perform in An Indie Film!

    Breaking into the Big Screen and The Power of Indie Films in Launching An Acting Career

    What does Jenna Ortega, Florence Pugh, and Alexandra Daddario in common? According to this IMDb list, they are all three top actresses in Hollywood. And playing a part in an indie film has been the turning point of many actors’ and actresses’ careers. But in the cutthroat world of Hollywood, breaking into the film industry can be a daunting task for aspiring actors. Yet, for those willing to take a risk and step outside of the mainstream, indie films can be the key to launching a successful career.

    Indie films are typically produced outside of the studio system and have a lower budget compared to Hollywood films. They offer actors the opportunity to take on more challenging and diverse roles, as well as the chance to work with up-and-coming directors and writers.

    One of the most famous examples of an actor breaking into the mainstream through indie films is Jennifer Lawrence. She got her start in the indie film Winter’s Bone in 2010 and later went on to win an Oscar for her role in Silver Linings Playbook and played the lead in The Hunger Games franchise.

    These type of films also offer actors the opportunity to showcase their range and versatility, something that can be difficult to do in mainstream films. By taking on challenging and complex roles in indie films, actors can demonstrate their talent and versatility to casting directors and industry professionals.

    But how can independent films benefit upcoming and talent? Mainly for the following 5 Reasons : 

    • The chance to grow as an actor.
    • It keeps your acting skills sharp for future projects.
    • Gain footage for your showreel
    • Network by working with professionals  
    • It could launch your career

    Indie films also have a reputation for being more experimental and innovative, and as such are often able to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling and filmmaking. This can be a draw for actors looking to push their own boundaries and take on more challenging and meaningful roles.

    But it’s not just the acting opportunities that make indie films a valuable platform for aspiring actors. Indie films also offer the chance to network and build relationships with industry professionals, which can be crucial in advancing one’s career.

    Despite the challenges and risks involved in working on indie films, they can provide a powerful launchpad for actors looking to make a name for themselves in the film industry. By taking the leap and getting involved in indie films, actors can gain the recognition and exposure they need to break into the mainstream and achieve success on the big screen.

    As the industry continues to evolve, indie films will continue to play an important role in discovering new talent and pushing the boundaries of storytelling. For actors looking to make a name for themselves in the film industry, indie films are a powerful tool that should not be overlooked.

  • Naomi Sharon, The First Lady of OVO

    Naomi Sharon, The First Lady of OVO

    Drake just dropped a major announcement, revealing that he’s signed the first female artist to his record label, OVO Sound. In a late-night Instagram post, the 6 God introduced the world to Dutch singer Naomi Sharon, sharing the cover art for her two new singles Another Life and Celestial.

    The Canadian rapper gushed about Sharon’s talent, writing,

    I been waiting for this day for too long now where the world finally gets to digest the insane amount of work you have put in since we met.”

    Sharon, who first debuted on the music scene in 2019 with The Moon, thanked Drake for the opportunity, commenting,

    I will be forever thankful for this insane opportunity you gave me. Finally, we can share this with the world.”

    She joins OVO Sound’s roster of international artists, including PARTYNEXTDOOR, dvsn, Popcaan, Majid Jordan, Roy Woods, and Baka Not Nice. Sharon’s new music, produced with the help of record producer Noah “40” Shebib, is now available on all streaming platforms. In an interview with REYÈM, Sharon shared that her inspiration comes from past events and journeys, both physical and mental, and her curiosity about the universe.

    Drake’s latest signing is a major move for OVO Sound and a big win for Sharon, who is sure to make waves in the industry. Get ready to experience the sultry-voiced singer’s unique sound and cosmic vibes.

  • Netflix’s Next Frontier, Expand its Ads Biz with Free Streaming ‘FAST’ Channels

    Netflix’s Next Frontier, Expand its Ads Biz with Free Streaming ‘FAST’ Channels

    Netflix recently reported its Q4 2022 financial results, and is considering adding a free ad-supported TV (FAST) option to its platform, a move that many media companies are currently exploring as more consumers shift to FAST services. In a recent earnings call, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said,

    We’re open to all these different models that are out there right now, but we’ve got a lot on our plate this year, both with the paid sharing and with our launch of advertising and continuing to this slate of content that we’re trying to drive to our members. So, we are keeping an eye on that segment for sure.”

    While a Netflix FAST channel offering probably won’t happen anytime soon, Sarandos isn’t dismissing the possibility that there’ll be one in the future. When and if Netflix goes through with a FAST option, the move will most likely boost its ad business significantly. According to nScreenMedia, the FAST industry will reach 216 million monthly active users in 2023, driving $4.1 billion in ad revenue.

    Netflix is known to be slow to follow industry trends, having taken many years before former co-CEO Reed Hastings even considered launching a cheaper ad-supported plan. Other streaming services such as Hulu have offered an ad-supported tier for over a decade. But the streaming giant is counting on its ad business to be a big source of income. Overall, it estimates $8.17 billion in revenue for Q1 2023. However, it’s looking like Netflix’s “Basic with Ads” plan isn’t paying off as much as it anticipated, according to a recent Kantar report. Despite being satisfied with the growth of its ads business, which President of Worldwide Advertising Jeremi Gorman noted during an interview that Netflix’s “Basic with Ads” now accounts for only 12% of its subscriber base.

    As the streaming industry continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see if Netflix chooses to pursue a FAST option and how it could potentially impact the company’s ad revenue and subscriber base. The streaming giant has a lot on its plate this year, with plans to launch paid sharing and continue building its ads offering, but the potential for a FAST option could be a game-changer for Netflix’s future growth. Only time will tell if the streaming giant will take the leap and enter the FAST market, but it’s clear that they are keeping a close eye on this rapidly growing segment.

  • Jerry Lorenzo: Says Adidas Needs Kanye

    Jerry Lorenzo: Says Adidas Needs Kanye

    Canceled or not, The Visionary Designer Behind Fear of God Feels Something is Missing.

    Jerry Lorenzo has never been one to shy away from sharing his opinions. Recently, at Paris Fashion Week, he made a statement on Instagram to his 1.7 million followers, which caught the attention of many.

    In the post, complete with a heart emoji, he wrote,

    Though the post was swiftly deleted, it received nearly 20k likes and almost 200 comments, almost all of them in agreement with Lorenzo’s sentiment.

    Kanye West, also known as Ye, has been persona non grata in the fashion world since a series of shocking anti-Semitic rants and questionable outbursts. Business partners like Balenciaga and Adidas have cut ties with him. Ye has since retreated into hiding and avoided the public eye, even when he suddenly got married to a YEEZY employee in early 2023.

    It’s not clear why Lorenzo deleted the post, but it may have been a concern about stepping on toes by suggesting that Adidas is worse off without Ye. Fear of God Athletics, a collaboration with Adidas, is set to debut in 2023. Lorenzo has a habit of speaking freely and has previously called out brands he sees as imitating Fear of God and publicly denounced gay marriage.

    He later deleted the latter statement and it has never been brought up again.

  • A Deep Dark Truth About Life as a Fashion Model

    A Deep Dark Truth About Life as a Fashion Model

    Like so many young women, I grew up in a world that glamorizes modeling. It’s a career that’s often portrayed as a fairytale; a scout “discovers” you as a gawky teenager and turns you into a goddess, gracing catwalks and glossy magazine pages. But as someone who’s had this exact experience, I can tell you it is all smoke and mirrors. Behind the facade of beauty and luxury, I found myself in a job with no possibility of progression, the feeling of being exploited at every angle and dealing with the mental health issues that arise as a result.

    I started modelling at the age of 13, when my mum sent a photograph of me to a local agency. Having been bullied for the way I look for years, it wasn’t something I’d ever considered, but before I knew it I was being told that my photos would be in some of the biggest fashion magazines out there, which kick-started a career that lasted more than a decade.

    “As a fashion model I was humiliated, objectified and forced into debt – here’s why I’m exposing the truth.”

    One of the things no one ever tells you is that often as a model you have little control over your contracts or even experiences at work. Models are often seen as objects to be hired out for the day, in any capacity, and this can lead us to forget that we have rights. Really, the only power you have as a model is choosing an agency. But there is no real guidance or official quality control system for the industry, making it hard to know whether you’re making the right choice.

    In one instance, I actively chose a prestigious agency but quickly found myself being sent on unpaid test shoots that I later found out I was being charged for – some up to £400. I had experience working for big brands so I could stand up for myself, but even so I felt heavily pressured by the agency.

    After a week I found myself in almost £1,000 of debt, with no sign of actual paid work on the horizon. It was impacting my mental health so terribly that I was having continuous panic attacks, and when I tried to leave I was threatened with legal action. I have also often been humiliated at castings and spoken about as an object on the job. One client complained for two hours about the evenness of my eyebrow height.

    Effortless beauty. Three attractive young women looking at camera while standing against grey background

    The majority of models I know have also been pressured to lose weight. I was scouted by an agency who told me to lose three inches (7.6cm) from my hips. When I refused, they dropped the request to 3cm. Months followed of me having weekly measurements taken at the agency after being invited in for a “quick chat”. It was humiliating and degrading to be continuously told off for not being thin enough, and I felt pathetic and worthless as a result.

    Everyone around me seemed to think it should be easy. When I finally lost the weight they asked me to lose another 2cm. At this point I finally realised nothing would ever be enough.

    As models, people often assume that our bodies are fair game. This created a complex relationship with my body – I suffered eating disorders as a result and still have severe body dysmorphia. But it also leaves us vulnerable to sexual harassment and exploitation.

    Everyone around me seemed to think it should be easy. When I finally lost the weight they asked me to lose another 2cm. At this point I finally realised nothing would ever be enough.

    As models, people often assume that our bodies are fair game. This created a complex relationship with my body – I suffered eating disorders as a result and still have severe body dysmorphia. But it also leaves us vulnerable to sexual harassment and exploitation.

    On another test shoot, I had to leave half way through as I felt incredibly pressured into having a drink and posing nude in a stranger’s bedroom.

    I recall a shoot where I was asked to spank another model’s backside with a ping pong bat, and told to “cover my face with my hair” by a photographer when I refused and was visibly upset. I ended up being maneuvered into a sexual position by the team as I cried from humiliation. I didn’t feel like I could just walk out for fear of seeming unprofessional – and I wasn’t even being paid.

    While agencies presumably don’t want their models to have negative experiences, the industry is largely unregulated, making it hard for them to know whether the photographer they’re sending us to is legit, or just a creepy amateur. The stress of being consistently sexualised while doing your job inevitably takes a toll.

    I feel strongly that if models are aware of their rights we can ensure that these situations do not happen to other vulnerable people – that’s why I’ve written a book sharing my experience. I hope that this starts the much needed global conversation of how to improve the modelling industry.

  • Luxury & Blood

    Luxury & Blood

    Written By Alex Cross • Based on Bored Panda’s 2-Sentence Horror Stories

    Written By Alex Cross | Rating: MA

    Rupert Colman placed the card on the lock. He pushed the door open and extended his arm towards the interior of the suite. ‘Here you go, darling, make yourself at home.’

    The young woman smiled and bent her head, raising the hem of her silky blue dress as she walked past him into the room. Rupert watched the luscious sheen the corridor lights cast on the curves of her dress, the way it tugged slightly below the waist. She was one of the best ones yet, he decided. The Majestic was ever surprising in its steady supply of beautiful girls, but she was something else. He licked his lips and clicked the door shut behind him. 

    ‘Feel free to have a bath, if you would like to get warm and toasty,’ he said as he poured a glass of Cointreau, pausing to wink at her. She was sitting at the edge of the bed’s Moroccan rug, her hands between her thighs. A flash of uncertainty crossed her face, she flicked her hair. 

    ‘Don’t worry,’ Rupert told her, showing his trademark smile, ‘take your time.’ They were always afraid when Rupert told them to have a bath, to get comfortable. They thought he might not include it in the billable hours. What rash animal would do that? He didn’t want a stiff icicle in his bed, he wanted a nice and tender body, like the best cut of lamb. 

    Rupert lay in his bed, listening to the muffled noise of tumbling water, sipping his liquor whilst he let his eyes drift around the suite. The huge gold-framed painting on the opposite wall, with its bloody representation of the battle of Asti; the engraved table with its violet-cushioned gold chairs below it; the mahogany closet to the left, opposite the bathroom door. Rupert loved this preliminary stage. The fuzzy warmth from the liquor left a pleasurable vacuity within him. All his thoughts were vaguely pointed at the awaiting pleasure, and nothing else. His uncertainties, his fears? They couldn’t even get near him.

    As Rupert was taking the last sip of Cointreau, she appeared out of the bathroom door. Her blonde hair was slick and shiny, curving softly at the shoulders; her hand held up a white towel which reached just above the swelling of her breasts; white silky legs extended out of the lower part of the towel. She smiled, bit her lip, and let the towel fall to the floor. Rupert’s breaths became husky, a tingle came over his body as this milky goddess came towards him.

    The woman halted and looked at him. She tilted her delicate shoulder up slightly. ‘You like me?’ she said. ‘Honey, I love you. Come here, now.’ 

    She paused a moment more, as if considering the appeal of his extended arms. Then she slowly slid towards him. His hands were all over her body as she quickly undressed him. ‘What do we have here?’ she said, peeking under his boxers. Rupert jolted with extasy as she guided him inside her.

    Rupert was now sound asleep, tossing and turning.

    In his dream, Rupert found himself wandering down a deserted country road as the sun set. The sound of his footsteps echoed in the silence as he walked. He found himself on a high tower, looking out at dark, ominous clouds. A fierce wind whipped around him, causing him to cling to the edge of the tower. Suddenly, he was back in the hotel room. The atmosphere felt heavy and oppressive, as if he were underwater. He looked around and saw that the bed was empty. The alarm clock on the nightstand read 12:07. He wondered where the young woman he was with had gone. In that moment, he saw a dark figure looming over him. Agonizing pain shot through him as the figure clawed at his chest and covered his mouth to silence his screams.

    Rupert sat bolt upright, gasping. He stared at the bloody painting in front of him, at the table. Everything was in its place. What a fucked up dream, he thought, as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He looked to the side of the bed but the woman wasn’t there. He stared at the alarm clock. 12:06. 

    A creak.

    Rupert jerked his head around to see the closet door open. A scabbing white foot stepped out. Rupert let out a scream. He scrambled in his bedsheets as he realized he was trapped. The door was on the opposite side of the room, past the closet. Another foot creaked onto the parquet. 

    Rupert jumped off the bed and made for the toilet, his only chance. He turned around just as he reached out to the handle and the figure was barely three meters away from him. A spasm went through him. It wasn’t the young woman from the previous night, it was Cassandra, his late wife. Her skin was melting like wax and covered in swells and gashes. A thick noose hung around her bruised neck, the severed end of the rope dangling over her emaciated shoulder blade like a ponytail. She extended rotting fingers with chipped red nail polish and exposed her mulchy black teeth in a terrible smile. 

    ‘Hello, darling,’ she said, her voice raspy and mocking. Rupert let out a yelp and slammed down the handle. He pushed forward, but the door wouldn’t budge. He tugged backwards and the door flew open, just as he turned and saw Cassandra rushing towards him. Her arms were extended, her open mouth revealing a long and sinuous black tongue. 

    He stumbled face-first into the toilet, then twisted and scrambled backwards. She was inches away from him, extending her arm. ‘Come to me, dear,’ she purred. 

    He pushed the door with his foot, trying to shut it with all his might. 

    A few rotting fingers got jammed in the doorframe. A wretched wail came from the other side. 

    ‘You bastard,’ she screamed, ‘you filthy little shit, you will pay –‘

    He pushed harder at the door, letting out a growl of effort as he stared at the contorting fingers. Suddenly there was a slicing sound and the severed fingers fell to the floor. The door clanged shut. A howl of pain came from the other side. Rupert scrambled up and turned the lock.

    Silence. He leaned with his back on the doorframe and heaved. He looked to the side, at the three severed fingers. They were still squirming. 

    Thud. Thud. 

    Rupert looked up at the ceiling just in time to see the plaster crash open and a mound of twitching black cockroaches fall over him. His last sensation were the cockroaches crawling all over his naked body, eating their way into his skin as he writhed and screamed. 

    ‘You will pay,’ Cassandra’s voice echoed within him. ‘You will pay.’

  • Watch the Official Trailer for Scream VI

    Watch the Official Trailer for Scream VI

    Ghostface w/ a Glock???

    The latest trailer for the highly-anticipated horror flick, Scream VI, has been released by Paramount Pictures and Spyglass Media Group, and it promises to be a blood-soaked nightmare. The film, which stars Melissa Barrera, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Jack Champion, Henry Czerny, Mason Gooding, Liana Liberato, Dermot Mulroney, Devyn Nekoda, Jenna Ortega, Tony Revolori, Josh Segarra and Samara Weaving, along with Hayden Panettiere and Courteney Cox, is set to hit theaters on March 10, 2023.

    The logline for the film reads:

    Following the latest Ghostface killings, the four survivors leave Woodsboro behind and start a fresh chapter.

    Barrera, Ortega, Brown, and Gooding reprise their roles from the last film, as does original star Cox. Legacy franchise cast member Panetierre is also back for this one. Directed by Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett and written by James Vanderbilt & Guy Busick, the film is produced by William Sherak, James Vanderbilt, and Paul Neinstein, and is executive produced by Kevin Williamson, Gary Barber, Peter Oillataguerre, Chad Villella, Courteney Cox, Ron Lynch, Cathy Konrad, and Marianne Maddalena.

    Barrera, who plays Sam Carpenter in the film, promises that upcoming sequel will be “100 times gorier.”

    It’s like 20 times more mortifying.” “It’s awful. Because you also see how, in a city like New York City, everyone is kind of doing their own thing and someone is screaming for help, and no one will come to their help.”

    Melissa Barrera

    Ortega also commented on this film’s new “ghostface” saying:

    I just read part of the script, and it just gets more and more gory,” “I think that this is probably the most aggressive and violent version of Ghostface we’ve ever seen, which I think will really be fun to shoot.”

    JENNA ORTEGA

    As the release date approaches, fans of the franchise are eagerly awaiting the arrival of this latest installment, which promises to be a blood-drenched spectacle of horror. With a talented cast and a script that promises to push the boundaries of gore and violence, Scream VI is shaping up to be a must-see film for fans of the horror genre.

  • The Digital Age & the Crowdsourcing of Criminal Investigations

    The Digital Age & the Crowdsourcing of Criminal Investigations

    As the Tragic Case of the Four University of Idaho Students Murders Unfold, the Content Economy Muscles In: A Headline-Grabbing Case in the Spotlight Once Again.

    In the wake of the brutal murders of four University of Idaho students in mid-November, the small town of Moscow, Idaho was thrust into the national spotlight. As local police launched their investigation, the internet quickly turned the case into a crowdsourcing initiative of unprecedented scale.

    The victims, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, Kaylee Goncalves, and Madison Mogen, were beloved members of their community, and the outpouring of grief and support was palpable. But, as the investigation progressed, the sheer volume of information and tips that flooded in was overwhelming. In the six weeks following the murders, police reported receiving nearly 20,000 tips-an astonishing number given Moscow’s official population of just over 26,000.

    For better or for worse, the internet has made it possible to mobilize large numbers of people in the pursuit of justice. But as the case in Moscow demonstrated, the sheer volume of information can also be overwhelming and lead to confusion and false leads. In the end, it took nearly six weeks for police to make an arrest.

    As the investigation unfolds and the accused stand trial, it is clear that the digital age has forever changed the way we investigate and prosecute crime. The University of Idaho student murders will long be remembered as a tragic reminder of the power and potential pitfalls of crowdsourcing in the digital age.

  • Jay Z Weighs In On Financial Debate

    Jay Z Weighs In On Financial Debate

    Jay Z may have finally put an end to the financial internet debate: $500k or Dinner w/ him.

    With some much trolling, and just being a polarizing platform on its own, internet debates, especially the financial ones are always insufferable. But for those considering dinner over $500k, remember it’s not about the money, it’s about the smart investments and strategic business moves. #moneymoves #investwisely”

    Jay Z, always the savvy businessman, seems to be putting an end to this internet debate once and for all. It’s clear that for him, the dinner isn’t about the meal itself, but rather the opportunity to share his wisdom and knowledge on smart investments and strategic business moves.

    But let’s be real, $500k is still $500k. While it’s always valuable to gain insight from successful individuals like Jay Z, the cold hard cash can’t be ignored. It’s the kind of money that can change lives, and open up opportunities that may have previously been out of reach.

    In the end, the debate may seem trivial, but it highlights the ongoing conversation about the importance of financial literacy and smart money management. As Jay Z reminds us, it’s not just about the amount of money, but how it’s invested and used. So whether it’s dinner with Jay Z or $500k, the true value lies in the knowledge and decisions we make with it.

    “Take your drug money and buy the neighborhood

    That’s how you rinse it”

    Now for those that will still pick the dinner. It appears that you all have forced Hov’s hand into giving some free advice, sans the dinner, with a tweet from the Tidal account: