National Portrait Gallery Presents a Portrait of the Late Kobe Bryant

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery presents a portrait of the late Kobe Bryant (1978 – 2020), marking the death of the famed American athlete. The 2007 gelatin silver print photograph by Rick Chapman will be on view on the museum’s first floor until further notice.

“Kobe Bean Bryant” by Rick Chapman, 2007. Selenium-toned gelatin silver print. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of the artist and ESPN. ©2007 Rick Chapman

Born in Philadelphia, Kobe Bryant was the son of a well-traveled basketball player, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant. He spent some of his youth in Italy, where his father played professionally for a European league, before moving back to Philadelphia, where he was drafted out of high school in 1996. Bryant spent nearly his entire career as a shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. He won five NBA championships and scored 33,643 points during his career. Bryant was the league MVP in the 2007–2008 season and an 18-time All Star. While his skills on the court were undeniable, Bryant was extremely competitive and known for his temper. And, in 2003, his image was tarnished when he was charged with sexual assault, causing him to lose endorsement deals. He and the accuser reached a settlement in 2004.

After retiring from basketball in 2016, Bryant founded Granity Studios. Dear Basketball, which he wrote and narrated, won the Academy Award for best animated short film in 2018.

On Jan. 26, 2020, a helicopter crash resulted in the untimely death of Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other passengers. Bryant leaves behind his wife of almost 19 years, Vanessa, and three other children.

The Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery tells the multifaceted story of the United States through the individuals who have shaped American culture. Spanning the visual arts, performing arts and new media, the Portrait Gallery portrays poets and presidents, visionaries and villains, actors and activists whose lives tell the American story.

The National Portrait Gallery is part of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for American Art and Portraiture at Eighth and F streets N.W., Washington, D.C. Smithsonian Information: (202) 633-1000. Connect with the museum at npg.si.eduFacebookInstagramTwitter and YouTube.

“¡Pleibol!” Slides Into Smithsonian Fall 2020

Exhibition Will Explore Latina/o Impact Through Baseball Artifacts, Stories and Photos

Before he was a World Series champion, Anthony Rendon, the former Washington Nationals third baseman and current Los Angeles Angel, was an ordinary kid; signed up for youth baseball at the YMCA in Houston. His childhood jersey and “first” baseball card will be on view in the upcoming Smithsonian exhibition, “¡Pleibol! In the Barrios and the Big Leagues/En los barrios y las grandes ligas” at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History beginning Oct. 9, 2020.

Anthony Rendon’s YMCA baseball card. Major League Baseball Player Anthony Rendon pictured at age 5 on a Houston YMCA Giants T-ball league card. The front is emblazoned with “Superstars” and the back includes his height of 3 ft., 10 in. Gift of Rene and Bridget Rendon to the National Museum of American History, Smithsonian Institution.

Rendon’s story, like that of many baseball-loving families in Latino communities, shows passion and dedication to the game. The bilingual exhibition will capture the excitement of the sport and will highlight how Latinas/os have transformed American culture and society through the lens of baseball, the national pastime.

The Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibition Service (SITES) will be traveling a version of “¡Pleibol!” to 15 cities through 2025. In Washington, D.C., the exhibition opens in the museum’s Albert M. Small Documents Gallery and will feature more than 60 artifacts and objects such as baseball cards, programs and scrapbooks.

Throughout the 20th century in the United States and Latin America, baseball provided Latino communities a path for a better future. Workers in agriculture and industry in the United States used baseball as a means to make ends meet and as a socially acceptable space to find community and organize for rights and justice.

“‘¡Pleibol!’ presents major league stories, but it is first and foremost rooted in communities and the reality of who was allowed to play ball and where,” said Margaret Salazar-Porzio, curator in the museum’s Division of Cultural and Community Life. “The story we tell shows how Latino communities played, celebrated and changed the game.

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2019 Holiday Gift Guide: Amazon’s Black Friday Deals Week is Almost Here

More Deals of the Day and Deeper Discounts Than Ever Before on Buzzworthy Holiday Gifts Across Every Department

Kicking off this Friday, November 22, Amazon’s Black Friday deals week will offer new deals all day, every day from fashion to toys, home, electronics, Amazon Devices and more

Save up to 40% on toys from LEGO, Barbie, Hot Wheels and more; up to 50% on Lands’ End clothing and accessories; $40 off the Echo Show 5; deep discounts on brands including Adidas, KitchenAid, L’Oreal Paris and more; plus exclusive deals from Amazon Brands, Amazon Music, Audible and more

Amazon today shared a sneak peek of top deals for its Black Friday Deals Week, which will offer customers new deals all day, every day totaling thousands of amazing deals across every category, plus more Deals of the Day and deeper discounts than ever before. Starting this Friday, November 22 through November 29 (Black Friday), customers can shop thousands of incredible deals on this year’s most popular gifts, new and trending finds, holiday essentials, and more, across toys, electronics, fashion, beauty, kitchen, home, Amazon Devices and more. All of Amazon’s Black Friday deals can be found by visiting amazon.com/blackfriday or on the Amazon App. Customers can also shop on smile.amazon.com/blackfriday to find the same amazing deals and Amazon shopping experience, with the added bonus that AmazonSmile will donate a portion of the purchase price of eligible products to a charity of your choice.

On top of the wide selection of deals and discounts available throughout Amazon’s week of Black Friday deals, customers can also take advantage of select one-time-only, amazing deals from top-tier and most-loved brands across electronics, home, fashion, toys and more, all at jaw-dropping prices. These deals are expected to sell out, with new one-time only deals launching throughout the day on November 28 (Thanksgiving), November 29 (Black Friday) and December 2 (Cyber Monday).

Whether customers are getting a head start on their gift lists, readying their homes for family festivities or grocery shopping for holiday feasts, Amazon makes the holidays easier than ever with top deals and low prices. In fact, according to a recent Profitero study, Amazon prices were found to be 20% cheaper on average than other online retailers.

BLACK FRIDAY DEALS PREVIEW:

The deals included below – and many more – will be available on various dates and times between November 22 and November 29 (Black Friday), while supplies last, at amazon.com/blackfriday, on the Amazon App, or by simply asking “Alexa, what are my deals.”

Amazon Devices

Amazon Brands

  • Save up to 50% on men’s and women’s clothing from Amazon Brands, including Amazon Essentials, Goodthreads, Daily Ritual, and The Drop
  • Save up to 30% on bedding & bath for the family from AmazonBasics, Stone & Beam and Rivet
  • Save up to 30% on furniture from Rivet and Stone & Beam
  • Save up to 30% on office furniture and supplies from AmazonBasics
  • Save up to 30% on phone accessories from AmazonBasics
  • Save up to 30% on kitchen electrics and housewares from AmazonBasics & Stone & Beam
  • Save up to 30% on luggage and travel from AmazonBasics
  • Save up to 25% on food and beverages from Amazon brands, including AmazonFresh, Happy Belly and Wickedly Prime
  • Save 25% on household supplies and personal care from Solimo
  • Save up to 15% on beauty, vitamins, and supplements from Amazon brands including Belei and Revly

Fashion

  • Save up to 35% on Herschel backpacks, wallets, hip packs, and more
  • Save up to 50% on Oakley & Ray-Ban sunglasses
  • Save up to 30% on Calvin Klein underwear
  • Save up to 35% on the newest Fossil smartwatches
  • Save up to 35% on adidas shoes, clothing, and accessories for the family
  • Save up to 40% on Levi’s for the family
  • Save up to 50% on Lands’ End clothing and accessories
  • Save up to 30% on Tommy Hilfiger clothing
  • Save up to 50% on top watch brands including Daniel Wellington, Movado, and more
  • Save up to 40% on Under Armour for the family
  • Save up to 30% on men’s dress shirts
  • Save up to 30% on Izod clothing
  • Save up to 50% on Samsonite and American Tourister luggage
  • Save 35% on 14K gold diamond stud earrings
  • Electronics
  • Save on Samsung, Sony, and LG TVs
  • Save on Samsung Galaxy S10 and Note 10
  • Save up to 45% on streaming devices and accessories
  • Save up to 30% on select Nintendo Switch Software
  • Save up to 33% on select Nintendo Joy-Con
  • Save on Canon and Nikon cameras
  • Save on Headphones from Bose, Sony and other top brands
  • Save on Nintendo Switch Console with Digital Mario Kart 8 Deluxe
  • Save on Xbox One
  • Save on PC gaming laptops, desktops, monitors, components, and accessories
  • Save up to 33% on PlayStation 4 Slim 1TB bundle
  • Save on Oculus Rift S
  • Save on Garmin smart watches
  • Save 30% on select cell phone cases
  • Save on Klipsch speakers
  • Save on Jabra Elite Active 65t Earbuds
  • Save up to 35% on select iOttie Car Mount Phone Holders
  • Save on Garmin Forerunner 235 and DriveSmart
  • Save up to 40% on Corsair gaming products and accessories
  • Save up to 45% on Netgear products
  • Save 40% on Adobe Photoshop Elements 2020
  • Save up to 50% on Brother printers
  • Save up to 60% on HP Deskjet 2622
  • Save $30 on HP Sprocket 2nd Edition
  • Save 30% on MYNT3D Professional Printing 3D Pen
  • Save $50 off Microsoft Office Home and Student 2019
  • Save over 70% on new Norton 360 Premium
  • Save on Kodak and Polaroid photo printers
  • Save on SanDisk and WD
  • Receive a $10 Gift Card with purchase of TurboTax Software

Toys

  • Save 15% on L.O.L. Surprise! Winter Disco Bigger Surprise (Amazon Exclusive)
  • Save 40% on the LEGO Star Wars Ultimate Millennium Falcon
  • Save 40% on tricycles and the 3-in-1 Wagon from Radio Flyer
  • Save 40% on the KidKraft Cinderella Royal Dream House
  • Save 40% on the Little Tikes Bake n’ Grow Kitchen
  • Save up to 30% on select strategy games
  • Save up to 30% on Glitter Girls fashion dolls and accessories
  • Save up to 30% on Barbie, Hot Wheels and more from Mattel
  • Save up to 30% on select party games

Household, Kitchen and Home Furnishings

  • Save up to 30% on SodaStream sparkling water makers
  • Save on Hamilton Beach
  • Save up to 35% on Vitamix
  • Save on Nespresso
  • Save on Dash Appliances
  • Save up to 44% on KitchenAid
  • Save on Instant Pot
  • Save on Conitgo Water bottles, Food Saver and Rubbermaid food containers
  • Save up to 25% on select mattresses
  • Save on Ashley Mattresses
  • Save up to 48% on Degrees of Comfort weighted blankets
  • Save up to 15% on Bissell Lifestyle 220
  • Save up to 19% on Bissell SpotClean Pro
  • Save on Casper Sleep Soft and Supima Cotton Sheet
  • Save up to 37% on Bissell Icon Pet Stick
  • Save up to 41% on Ecovacs N79S
  • Save up to 36% off Ecovacs Deebot 661
  • Save up to 26% Bissell Crosswave
  • Save up to 19% on Bissell SpotClean Pro
  • Save up to 22% on Bissell MyAir
  • Save up to 20% on Oreck Commercial XL Commercial Upright Vacuums
  • Save on AIRMEGA 400S The Smarter App Ena
  • Save on Tempur-Pedic TEMPUR-Protect Waterproof Mattress Protector
  • Save up to 15% on Bissell Lifestyle 220
  • Save on TEMPUR Adapt Plus Cooling Topper
  • Eureka NEN110A Whirlwind Bagless Canister
  • Save on Sunbeam Cordless or Corded Iron
  • Save up to 50% on Simplisafe 12-Piece Security System
  • Save up to 20% on Kidde products
  • Save up to 30% on Hunter ceiling fans
  • Save up to 30% on DeWalt tools
  • Save up to 30% on select SKIL tools
  • Save up to 25% on BLACK+DECKER drill kit
  • Save up to 15% on Opal Countertop Nugget Icemaker
  • Save 15% on NewAir Dual Zone Beverage Cooler

Smart Home

  • Save on Chamberlain MyQ Garage Hub at $17.98
  • Save on iRobot Roomba 960 at $399.00
  • Save on iRobot Roomba 675 at $199.99
  • Save on the new LG 82″ 4K Ultra HD Smart LED TV at $1,699.99
  • Save up to $79.90 on Arlo Technologies products
  • Save on Shark IQ Robotic Vacuum at $399.99
  • Save over 30% on Netgear wifi & routers
  • Save $200 on Sony Sound Bar with Dolby Atmos and Wireless Subwoofer
  • Save up to 39% on ecobee SmartThermostat and Switch bundle

Lawn & Garden

  • Save up to 35% on holiday live plants
  • Save on the Sun Joe SPX4000-PRO Pressure Washer
  • Save 35% on Greenworks 80V outdoor power tools
  • Save up to 30% on Keter Cool Bar & more
  • Save up to 35% on fire pits and patio heaters

Audible, Music, Video & Books

  • Audible: Between November 25 and 27, new members receive a bonus $15 Amazon credit and continue to save 53% on the first three months of an Audible membership at $6.95 a month. Additional offers to be announced through the holiday season.
  • For a limited time, new Amazon Music Unlimited customers can get the best holiday deal in Amazon Music’s history – four months of the premium streaming tier for just $0.99, to enjoy unlimited access to more than 50 million songs, ad-free.
  • With purchase of select Echo devices, new Amazon Music Unlimited customers in the US, UK, Germany and Japan will also receive four months of the premium, ad-free streaming tier for free.
  • Prime Video: Between November 29 and December 5, Prime members can enjoy 50% off to rent or buy on new release movies.
  • The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show, Prime Video’s first foray into the holiday special space, will premiere globally on Friday, November 29. The Kacey Musgraves Christmas Show will also be accompanied by an official soundtrack available on Amazon Music and other DSPs beginning November 29. Learn more at amazon.com/kaceychristmas.
  • Get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for free – Enjoy unlimited access to over 1 million books, popular magazines and thousands of books with Audible narration. Offer valid for new subscribers only.
  • Get $10 back in eBook credit when you spend $30 on eBooks (activation required).
  • Save up to 80% on select Kindle best-selling books
  • Save up to 50% on Popular Children Books

Pets

  • Save 33% on Furbo Treat Tossing Wifi Pet Camera
  • Save up 35% on Wisdom Panel Dog DNA Kit
  • Save up to 30% on Frontline Oral Defense Daily Dental Chews
  • Save up to 15% on Nutramax products for dogs and cats
  • Save 30% on PetSafe Smart Feed Automatic Dog and Cat Feeder
  • Save 30% on select Greenies dog treats
  • Save 30% on Temptations cat treats
  • Save 30% on Cesar gourmet dog food

Sports & Outdoors

  • Save up to 40% on the adidas Diablo duffel bag
  • Save up to 35% on select Columbia outerwear, apparel, and shoes
  • Save up to 25% on Thule backpacks and luggage
  • Save more than 25% on golf training aids, including Arccos Caddie Smart Sensors
  • Save up to 25% on Osprey packs & accessories
  • Save up to 20% on best sellers from Coleman
  • Save up to 30% on fishing gear from Abu Garcia, Berkley, Penn, Ugly Stik, and more
  • Save up to 15% on stand up paddle boards from Serenelife
  • Save up to 30% on hunting essentials from Plano Synergy
  • Save up to 15% on Marcy exercise equipment
  • Save on the Bowflex Max Trainer M7
  • Save on Bushnell golf products, including rangefinders, GPS, and watches
  • Save 20% or more on Segway electric scooters and personal transporters
  • Save 20% on Huffy adult and kids bikes
  • Save on Callaway golf balls, headwear, and golf bags
  • Save on JOOLA table tennis tables and more
  • Save more than 15% on select GoSports favorites, including wood premium cornhole set, giant wooden toppling tower, and more

Beauty

  • Save up to 45% on Philips Sonicare appliances and brush heads
  • Save up to 40% on Aquaphor, NIVEA, and Eucerin
  • Save 30% on Panasonic electric razor for men
  • Save 20% on L’Oreal Paris brow stylist definers
  • Save up to 40% on professional and luxury beauty skin care, cosmetics, fragrance, hair and more
  • Save up to 33% on select luxury beauty devices and accessories

Health and Personal Care

  • Save up to 50% on 23andMe DNA tests
  • Save up to $60 on select Fitbit items
  • Save up to 30% on select nutrition and wellness items
  • Save 15% on Body Fortress whey protein powder
  • Save 30% or more on Duracell batteries
  • Save $70 on AncestryHealth Core™ Health + Genetic Ethnicity Test

Automotive

  • Save on Hella Sharptone Twin Horn Kits
  • Save on Camco Yellow Fasten Leveling Blocks

Amazon Payments and Gift Cards

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Cardmembers and Amazon Prime Store Cardmembers with an eligible Prime membership will receive 15% Back on Electronics bestsellers on Amazon.com from now through December 22. They’ll also receive 10% Back on select Amazon devices valid November 28 to December 2 only.

Small Businesses on Amazon Handmade and Amazon Launchpad

  • Save 20% or more on Amazon Handmade products from around the world – shop deal and the gift guide at www.amazon.com/handmadegiftguide.
  • Save up to 35% on top selling iOttie Wireless accessories
  • Save on Dash appliances
  • Save up to 35% on select party games for grown-ups including Exploding Kittens
  • Save up to 44% on Geekee True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds
  • Save 15% or more on select LuminAID Solar phone chargers and lanterns

Grocery

  • Save 25% or more on select Jack Link’s beef jerky
  • Save up to 30% on select Victor Allen’s coffee packs
  • Save 15% on select TAZO K-Cup pods
  • Save 20% on select Soylent meal replacement shakes and protein bars
  • Save 35% on Tea Forte tea gifts for the holiday season

Whole Foods Market

  • Amazon and Whole Foods Market are offering special savings on organic and classic turkeys in celebration of Thanksgiving. All customers can choose from select organic ($3.49/lb) and classic turkeys ($2.49/lb), and Prime members will save even more on turkeys ($2.99/lb for organic and $1.99/lb for classic). The offer is valid until November 28, while supplies last. Prime members can also receive exclusive deals on organic jewel sweet potatoes ($1.29/lb), organic cranberries ($2.69/12-oz bag), and Bonafide frozen broths and soups (35% off).

DISCOVER THE SEASON’S HOTTEST GIFTS

Customers can also shop Amazon’s biggest-ever selection of curated gift guides and exclusive storefronts this year, which offer gifting inspiration and more:

MORE WAYS TO SHOP

In addition to amazon.com/blackfriday, customers can shop Amazon’s week of Black Friday deals in the following ways:

Amazon.com in Spanish: Customers can visit Amazon.com/espanol or use the Amazon App to shop, browse and search for millions of products, view their carts, and place orders in Spanish.

  • Amazon App: The Amazon App allows customers to conveniently shop for their holiday needs – anytime and anywhere – and never miss a great deal. Customers can use the Watch a Deal feature to “Watch a Lightning Deal” and receive a notification on their mobile phone when the deal is about to start. Additionally, first time app users have an opportunity to save big this holiday. New customers will receive $10 the first time they sign-in to the Amazon App and an additional $15 when they make their first purchase on the app.
  • Alexa Shopping: Customers can add to their Amazon wish list with Alexa by saying, “Alexa, add headphones to my wish list” and track packages and confirm your delivery date with Alexa by saying, “Alexa, where’s my stuff?”
  • Amazon Business: Save big when shopping for work with deals on everything you need for your business. Find deals on supplies for the office holiday party, employee and client gifts, and items for community donation drives. Stock up for the new year with savings on the business essentials you need. Visit amazon.com/holidayforbusiness, For more information and to sign up for a free business account, visit amazon.com/business.
  • Amazon Books: Whether customers want to discover a new book for the holidays, test-drive a device, or purchase Amazon Gift Cards, Amazon Books offers gifts for everyone. To find the store nearest you visit: www.amazon.com/stores.
  • Amazon 4-star: Designed around Amazon.com customers, Amazon 4-star stores feature products that are 4 stars and above, top sellers, new and trending, and most popular from top categories including devices, consumer electronics, toys, games, books, kitchen, and home. To find the store nearest you visit: www.amazon.com/stores.
  • Amazon Live: Watch Amazon Live’s shoppable Black Friday livestream throughout the day on November 29 for demonstrations on top deal products and cameo appearances from celebrities you love. Tune in starting at 4am PST by visiting www.amazon.com/live.
  • Treasure Truck: Discover great gifts you never thought of on Treasure Truck. Opt-in by texting ‘TRUCK’ to 24193 and receive notifications for same-day offers – order the item and pick up at the truck the same day. This Black Friday, gift givers who act fast will find an incredible deal on a holiday-must-have tech item on the truck in select cities, while supplies last.
  • Whole Foods Market: Prime members who shop at Whole Foods Market have access to a number of benefits year-round, like deep discounts on dozens of select popular products each week and an additional 10 percent off hundreds of in-store items. Additionally, Prime members in thousands of cities and towns can shop their local Whole Foods Market store using Amazon.com or the Amazon App.
  • Woot! offers daily deals on customers’ favorite brands and free shipping for Prime members. Visit woot.com from November 24 through November 29 or download the Woot! App for great deals.

GIVE BACK THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, AND BEYOND

Amazon is committed to making holiday giving and giving back easier than ever.

  • AmazonSmile: To jump right into holiday shopping and support your favorite charitable organization at the same time, simply visit smile.amazon.com/blackfriday. By starting with smile.amazon.com, you’ll find the same Amazon experience, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price of eligible products to a charity of your choice.
  • Charity Lists: Charity Lists give charitable organizations an easy way to create wish lists of products needed, while providing a convenient way for customers to donate these essential items directly to the causes. Customers are able to contribute items that are truly critical, to charities they care about, no matter how big or small. Customers can shop thousands of Charity Lists by visiting smile.amazon.com/charitylists, with new charities joining all the time.
  • ( RED) Shopathon: For the third year, Amazon is teaming up with (RED), the charitable organization founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver in 2006, to fight AIDS. Amazon is providing customers a single destination to shop more than 150 (RED) products, including the exclusive (RED) edition of the all-new Echo, which will be available for a limited time. For every all-new Echo (RED) edition sold, Amazon will donate $10 to the Global Fund. Plus, customers interested in donating to support (RED)’s fight can do so on any Echo device by simply asking, “Alexa, donate to (RED).” (RED) products will be available starting today at amazon.com/red.

HOLIDAY DELIVERY MADE EASY

In addition to free delivery on more than 100 million items for all Amazon customers, Amazon has expanded its fast, free, and convenient delivery options for Prime members and customers this holiday season:

  • Fast and Reliable One-Day and Same-Day Delivery. Throughout the season, Prime members in the U.S. can shop a selection of over 10 million items for Prime Free One-Day Delivery and millions of items available for Same-Day Delivery in 46 major metropolitan areas. Not a Prime member yet? Join Prime or start a 30-day free trial at www.amazon.com/prime.
  • Ultrafast and FREE grocery delivery: Now Prime members get free and fast grocery delivery from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market. Selection includes a variety of products for all your holiday needs, from meat to seafood, produce, snacks, and household essentials, with options for fast one- and two-hour delivery windows. Prime members who live in one of the more than 2,000 cities and towns where grocery delivery is available can request an invitation to shop Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market delivery. Learn more at amazon.com/grocery.
  • Pickup and delivery on your terms: This holiday season, customers can pick up their packages at a number of Amazon Hub locations including thousands of in-store staffed Counter pickup points across the U.S. within Rite Aid, GNC and Stage stores, as well as at Health Mart independent pharmacies. Additionally, tens of millions of products can be easily and conveniently delivered to 900 cities and towns across the country via Locker or Locker+. To find an Amazon Hub location, visit amazon.com/Hub. In addition, Prime members in 50 U.S. cities and surrounding areas can also enjoy secure, convenient package delivery with Key by Amazon (amazon.com/key).

Profitero Study Methodology

Each day, Profitero monitors prices and other data on more than 450 million product pages at more than 8,000 online retailers. For this study, Profitero analyzed daily prices collected from July 8, 2019 to September 30, 2019 across 19 leading online retailers. Categories analyzed included Appliances, Baby, Beauty, Electronics, Grocery, Home Furniture, Household Supplies, Music & CDs, Office Supplies, Pet Supplies, Sports & Outdoors, Tools & Home Improvement, Toys & Games, and Video Games. The study only compares prices collected on the same day, with both retailers in-stock. Amazon prices reflect 1P only on Amazon.com, exclusive of Fresh and Prime Now. The other retailer online prices studied could reflect promoted prices, but exclude coupons, other discounts that require additional shopper action, or special prices available through retailer-specific programs such as Target REDcard.

Now Open: Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat, Offers First All-Inclusive Wellness Vacations By Four Seasons

New Partnership With Sensei Retreats Introduces a New Concept In Fully Customizable, Science-Based Programming For Mind And Body, The First all-inclusive wellness experience Offered By Four Seasons, Including Meals By Sensei By Nobu

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat,and a unique offering in the Hawaiian Islands.

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, and Sensei, the well-being company founded by Larry Ellison and Dr. David Agus, have partnered to develop Four Seasons Hotel Lanai at Koele, A Sensei Retreat, is now open and taking reservations.

The soaring Great Room at the Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat

Unique to the Hawaiian market and a Four Seasons first, the all-inclusive hotel will focus exclusively on wellness retreats, offering a comprehensive and fully customisable program tailored to individual needs.

Together with our partners at Sensei Retreats, we’ve created a retreat where guests can experience it all in one location. Uniquely crafted itineraries are entirely fluid and adaptable, even as the journey is unfolding for our guests,” says Hotel Manager Said Haykal. “And, those travelling together can enjoy individual programs tailored to their own interests while also benefitting from shared experiences.

“Four Seasons partnership with Sensei signals our deep understanding of what today’s luxury traveller wants: an exclusive and differentiated wellness travel experience, perfectly pairing Sensei’s evidence-based approach to healthy living with Four Seasons renowned and legendary service,” says Christian Clerc, President, Global Operations, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “Set against the backdrop of the uniquely breathtaking Lanai landscape, this new offering combines unmatched hospitality, nutritious upscale dining and reputable experts to offer a luxury wellness experience found nowhere else in the world.”

Four Seasons Hotel Lanai At Koele, A Sensei Retreat

Located against a backdrop of towering Cook pines and banyan trees on the island of Lanai, which is also home to the beachfront Four Seasons Resort Lanai, the new wellness experience takes full advantage of the 90,000 acre (36,000 hectare) island’s natural beauty and seclusion.

The foundation for the property is an evidence-led approach to well-being that focuses on three practices – movement, nourishment, and rest – which are connected and enriched by one another, helping guests get familiar and maintain a conversation with body and mind. These three practices are the basis for programming, and integrating elements from all categories lead to a balance that is at the heart of the Sensei philosophy, as well as helping guests discover new patterns and experiences they can implement in their everyday lives on a consistent and ongoing basis.

From private spa hale to world-class cuisine, guest will enjoy a luxury of limitless choices including body treatments; personal training; group classes and lectures in yoga, meditation, fitness, nutrition, mindfulness, Hawaiian culture, art and enrichment, meditation and cultural immersion; and enriching activities on land and sea; all while experiencing the beauty of the secluded island of Lanai.

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Publishing Giant Condé Nast Announces New Global Leadership Structure

U.S./New York-based Condé Nast and London-based Condé Nast International Are Integrated as One Global Team. New Consumer Marketing Function to Bring Focus on Direct-to-Consumer Efforts With Unified Commercial Team to Better Serve Global Clients’ Holistic Needs

New Leadership Structure is Expected to Help Further Turn the Financial Ship Around As Company Moves Beyond Closing and Selling Off Magazine Titles, Layoffs and Consolidation of Workforce Across All Titles

Long expected, Condé Nast yesterday appointed a new global leadership team designed to accelerate the company’s evolution into a 21st-century media company. The new organizational structure, which combines Condé Nast and Condé Nast International into a unified global team, was created with several guiding principles in mind, including the preservation of local editorial voice and authority, an enhanced focus on the consumer, unification of the company’s ad and commercial sales functions to reflect clients’ local and global needs and the development of new ways to share capabilities and best practices across the company.

Condé Nast is a global media company, home to iconic brands including Vogue, The New Yorker, GQ, Glamour, AD, Vanity Fair, and Wired, among many others. The company’s award-winning content reaches 84 million consumers in print, 367 million in digital and 379 million across social platforms, and generates more than 1 billion video views each month. The company is headquartered in London and New York and operates in 32 markets worldwide including China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico & Latin America, Russia, Spain, Taiwan, the U.K., and the U.S., with local license partners across the globe. Launched in 2011, Condé Nast Entertainment is an award-winning production and distribution studio that creates programming across film, television, social and digital video and virtual reality.

One of my top priorities has been to define our organizational structure so that we can take full advantage of our unique growth opportunities and exceptional content around the world,” said the recently-appointed CEO of Condé Nast, RogerLynchI’m confident that our new global structure will better enable us to collaborate across teams and markets and, ultimately, deliver unparalleled experiences for our consumers and clients.

The new structure is as follows:

Global Content Functions:: Anna Wintour, U.S. Artistic Director, Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S. and (newly-appointed) Global Content Advisor, will continue in her role as U.S. Artistic Director and Editor-in-Chief of Vogue U.S., and will add Global Content Advisor and oversight of Vogue International to her responsibilities. In her expanded role, Wintour will advise the executive leadership team on global content opportunities and act as a resource to editors-in-chief and editorial talent worldwide.

Oren Katzeff, President of Condé Nast Entertainment (CNE), will expand the company’s digital video, film and television operations to create best-in-class video content experiences for audiences worldwide. The company has been increasing its focus on video content and currently generates 1.1 billion video views per month. Under Oren’s leadership, CNE will now be the core of our global network of video teams, supporting the growth of our video businesses in all markets.

David Remnick, Editor-in-Chief of The New Yorker, will also continue to report directly to Lynch.

Global Operations Organization: Wolfgang Blau, President, International & Chief Operating Officer will oversee all non-U.S. markets, as well as selected global strategic functions, including Product & Technology, Data, Licensing, Global Editorial Operations, Business Development, and Delivery & Business Transformation. This organization will ensure day-to-day operational excellence and capability sharing across the business.

Global Commercial Organization: Pamela Drucker Mann, Global Chief Revenue Officer & President, U.S. Revenue, will lead a new global revenue organization that brings together the company’s U.S. and international ad sales, creative and agency, B2B marketing and client service capabilities. Jamie Jouning, promoted to Chief Client Officer, will report to Drucker Mann and oversee key global accounts, multi-market deals, and central digital ad operations. Drucker Mann will define ad sales and ad product strategies globally, and work closely with Jamie and the central team and commercial leads in the company’s worldwide markets to drive overall ad, agency, and B2B revenue and share best practices.

Consumer Marketing Organization: Condé Nast is creating a new consumer marketing organization that will be led by a Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and will bring added focus to the company’s direct-to-consumer efforts. As the company expands its consumer offerings, this team will be charged with developing best-in-class capabilities and consistency across consumer experiences on every platform. The team will also be responsible for consumer revenue, with a core focus on subscriptions and memberships. In addition, the team will have responsibility for global brand management, consumer research, and insights and global audience development, ensuring a data-driven approach to the company’s efforts. The search for a CMO to lead this new organization will begin immediately.

Corporate Functions: The company is also globalizing its three corporate functions to leverage skills, expertise and standardize processes and best practices: People, Finance and Communications. The company will begin an immediate search and selection process for these and other open roles. Until new leaders are identified, teams will maintain their existing reporting lines and responsibilities.

We’re bringing added focus to our direct-to-consumer efforts and will build a new consumer marketing function that will be charged with developing best-in-class subscription and membership capabilities, and maintaining the authenticity of our iconic global brands,” Lynch continued. “And by transforming our sales organization into a unified global team, Condé Nast will be better positioned to serve the holistic needs of our clients around the world and make it easier for them to do business with us.

The new structure and appointments take effect immediately.

Chronicling California’s Storied Baseball History, “California at Bat” Opens July 29 at The California Museum

 

The exhibition includes more than 200 rarely-seen artifacts from Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax & others revealing California’s legacy in America’s game

The California Museum announced, “California at Bat: America’s Pastime in the Golden State” will open on Sun., July 29, 2018. The all-new exhibit chronicles California’s baseball history from the Gold Rush to present, revealing its legacy of all-stars and the contributions of female, African American and other players who broke barriers to broaden its enduring appeal. Featuring more than 200 rarely-seen artifacts, highlights include uniforms, equipment and ephemera from Jackie Robinson, Joe DiMaggio, Ted Williams, Willie Mays, Sandy Koufax and others, along with objects from Pacific Coast League teams and from Edmonds Field, home of the Sacramento Solons until 1960.

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Two of the brothers DiMaggio, Joe, left, of the New York Yankees, and Dominic, right, of the Boston Red Sox, get together with Boston’s star outfielder Ted Williams here, before meeting at Yankee Stadium in the New Yorker’s first home game of 1942.

We are thrilled to present ‘California at Bat,'” said California Museum Executive Director Amanda Meeker. “Although the major leagues didn’t arrive until the 1950s, Californians have enjoyed baseball for 160 years. This exhibit offers an unprecedented opportunity to view artifacts representing the sweep of California baseball from 19th-century town ball to the legends of baseball’s Golden Age and the heroes of the modern era.

Curated by the California Museum, “California at Bat” was developed in collaboration with Stephen Wong, author of three Smithsonian Books, including “Game Worn: Baseball Treasures from the Game’s Greatest Heroes and Moments” (2016). A renowned baseball historian and collector, Wong contributed expertise and more than 80 artifacts from his personal collection illustrating many of baseball’s most famous players. Highlights include:

  • New York Yankees rookie uniform game worn by Joe DiMaggio (1914-2000) in 1936, the only season of he wore number 9. Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, DiMaggio is best known for his 56-game hitting streak in 1941, a standing record in 2018.
  • Boston Red Sox home uniform game worn by Ted Williams (1918-2002) in 1950, the season his career nearly ended after breaking his arm in the All-Star game. The San Diego native was the last player to bat over .400 in a season (.406 in 1941).
  • San Francisco Giants home jersey game worn by Willie Mays (b. 1931) in 1965, the season he led the NL with 52 home runs and won his second NL MVP Award. Considered the game’s greatest all-around player, Mays has lived in California since moving with the Giants in 1958.
  • Los Angeles Dodgers road jersey game worn by Sandy Koufax (b. 1935) in 1966, the last year of his MLB career and the year he won a third Cy Young Award. A resident of California since moving with the Dodgers in 1958, Koufax is also remembered for sitting out Game 1 of the 1965 World Series when it fell on Yom Kippur, and for pitching baseball’s eighth perfect game on Sept. 9, 1965.

“As a native Californian who is deeply passionate about baseball and the history of the game, I’m proud and honored to have been a part of ‘California at Bat,‘” said Wong. “I’m delighted to share my collection with members of the public in this extraordinary new installation revealing the state’s significant contributions to baseball. Continue reading

Burton Unveils U.S. Snowboard Team Uniforms for PyeongChang Olympic Games 2018

The sport of snowboarding is neither nationalistic nor team-oriented in nature; however, all of that changes for a minute every four years during the Olympic Games,” said Jake Burton, Founder and Chairman of Burton Snowboards. “If the global expectations are that U.S. snowboarders represent their country in a uniform, then Burton wants to design and manufacture it. By doing so, we assure U.S. riders that they will have outerwear they can trust to perform at the highest level with a look they have input into and ultimately respect. Simply put, they want snowboarding outerwear, not athletic wear, and who better than Burton to provide it.

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Burton Unveils U.S. Snowboard Team Uniforms for PyeongChang Olympic Games 2018

The U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team will be nominated based on a series of selection events this season including the three-stop Toyota U.S. Grand Prix with stops in Copper Mountain, Aspen/Snowmass and Mammoth Mountain.

Inspired by the rich history of the American space program, the 2018 U.S. Snowboard Team uniform is both innovative in function and retro-futuristic in design. On the futuristic side, both the competition jacket and pant have a liquid metal look, thanks to an exclusive iridescent silver fabric coated in very fine, real aluminum. Burton custom developed the fabric solely for the 2018 uniform by infusing an extremely lightweight aluminum-coated fabric typically used for audio equipment with highly technical properties ideal for snowboarding in any weather condition. The end result is a super technical, lightweight and waterproof fabric that reflects and deflects light as well as sound. Next, to pay homage to the spirit of the American space program, the competition jacket also features hand-drawn patches depicting the American flag and ‘USA’ in space-age font. Even the inside of the jacket is highly detailed, with artwork sewn to the lining that includes Korean translations of helpful lighthearted phrases like ‘Do you speak English?‘ and ‘Wish me luck!‘.

In addition to the competition jacket and pant, two stand-out pieces in the uniform collection include a spacesuit- inspired down one-piece and village down jacket, both created with bright white non-woven Dyneema® fabric, which is the world’s strongest fiber. Extremely lightweight, breathable and waterproof, the fabric itself has a very space-age feel inspired by the iconic 1960s moonwalk suit with a texture that breaks in over time, giving it a weathered look. To wear with the competition jacket and pant, Burton also created a super soft fleece jacket and pant made with custom Polartec® High Loft™ fabric that was originally created for the U.S. military. The uniform also includes a lightweight down insulator in a ‘moonbeam’ colorway and drirelease wool base layers in ‘international orange’, a signature color used by the American space program for astronaut suits. Leather mitts, fleece gloves, tech tees and beanies complete the uniform.

This is the fourth Olympic uniform that Burton and myself have had the distinct pleasure of working on,” says Greg Dacyshyn, Head Designer of Burton’s Olympic uniform program. “Like the previous three which had a retro-inspired influence, the 2018 theme is also a heavy nod to Americana, because its main influence is the iconic suits of the United States’ leading space exploration program. I have always loved the astronauts’ suits, because not only do they have such a cool and amazing aesthetic, they also were designed to function under the most extreme conditions, so this gave us an incredible platform to push the innovation and technology of the garments as well. My hope is that these pieces help the athletes go where no rider has gone before.”

As one of the most recognized global brands in snowboarding, Burton brings tremendous value to our Olympic snowboard team with both its product quality and brand essence,” said U.S. Ski & Snowboard Chief Commercial Officer Dan Barnett. “We have very ambitious targets for all our athletes in South Korea. Success at the highest level of global competition comes from acute attention to detail and we know that Burton shares that philosophy. The shared vision Burton has with U.S. Ski & Snowboard and our world-class roster of athletes is another of the vital building blocks being put in place to help our athletes achieve the medal targets set for PyeongChang.”

Nike Miami Opens

Store Deliver Innovative Products, All-Encompassing On-Site Experiences and Heightened Personal Expert Service

Today, NIKE, Inc. opens Nike Miami, its newest retail experience. The two-story, multi-sport store is digitally connected across more than 31,000 sq. ft., and is located at 1035 Lincoln Rd., in the heart of the City of Miami Beach’s shopping district. (Nike Miami is open seven days a week. Store Hours: Monday-Saturday, 10 am to 11 pm. Sunday, 11 am. to 10 pm.)

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The two-story, multi-sport Nike Miami store is digitally connected across more than 31,000 sq. ft., and is located at 1035 Lincoln Rd., in the heart of the City of Miami Beach’s shopping district.

The store design, inspired by the lifestyle of modern sport, features a unique installation from Miami artist Jessy Nite. The artwork—a multimedia combination of painting, custom typography and sculpture—takes inspiration from the vibrant colors of Miami and the power of sport. The exterior of the building showcases a brise-soleil, a common architectural feature in South America and South Florida used to mitigate the warm afternoon sun. The pattern of the brise-soleil is comprised of two Nike icons: the waffle iron and the Windrunner.

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Nike Miami features Jordan Brand and Nike Basketball product on the store’s second floor, including iconic silhouettes and re-stocks.

The new Nike Miami is designed to deliver the best of Nike products and personalized services through a series of unique spaces. Guided by a team of highly trained Nike store athletes, Nike Miami offers personalized, immersive experiences for consumers.

Its unique spaces are the ultimate service destinations and include:

  • Nike+ Trial Zones: Three immersive Nike+ Trial Zones transport consumers into authentic sport moments, bringing true sport experiences into a personal shopping destination.

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    The Nike+ Running Trial Zone, located on the first floor, allows consumers to test shoes on a treadmill surrounded by two cameras capturing data from their run

  • Running: In the Nike+ Running Trial Zone on the first floor, consumers start by consulting with Nike certified running athletes on the best choices for footwear. They can then test out shoes on a treadmill surrounded by two cameras capturing data from their run and a video screen that records them on a 90-second real-life run. Consumers’ personal trial experiences may be saved to their Nike+ member profile, to enhance future shopping experiences.
  • Basketball: The Nike+ Basketball Trial Zone, located on the second floor, simulates the feel of the game in a 285-square foot space. Consumers consult with Nike certified basketball experts to select the best choices for footwear and receive 1:1 guidance on product features and benefits. They can then test the shoes in an enclosed basketball trial zone, allowing for the simulation of an actual game or practice environment.
  • Soccer: The Nike+ Soccer Trial Zone, also on the second floor and adjacent to the Nike+ Basketball Trial Zone, is a 285-square foot cleat trial area, encased in glass walls, with a synthetic turf field and supported by Nike certified trial athletes. Consumers can trial Nike’s best soccer cleats and receive 1:1 guidance on product features and benefits.
  • Nike+ Service Station: At Nike Miami, experts are at your service. The Nike+ Service Station is home to the Nike+ 1:1 service, a private appointment with an expert who provides Nike+ members with a product gear-up, immersion in the Nike+ ecosystem, a curated takeaway and access to Nike services and events.
  • The Stands: The Stands is the store’s first service destination, offering a special seating area for live in-store programming, including Nike+ Sessions—intimate discussions with leading athletes, trainers, and trendsetters.

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    Located on the store’s first floor, The Lounge features expanded fitting rooms with adaptive lighting and a treadmill, where consumers can consult with a stylist, and test and purchase products.

  • The Lounge: With a large boutique space, Nike Miami’s Lounge is designed to transform sport retail for women. Guided by Nike certified store athletes, consumers can test out products on a treadmill and in enhanced fitting rooms that are double the size of a standard Nike fitting room. The Lounge offers an array of services, from Nike+ 1:1 personal appointments to bra fitting, pant hemming, and digital checkout. There are three adaptive lighting changes in all fitting rooms in Nike Miami—replicating the feel of yoga studio to a night run.
  • Nike+ Member Sessions: Nike+ Member Sessions, located in The Stands, provide members with Nike programming, featuring Nike+ Run Club and Nike+ Training Club events, and Nike+ Speaker Sessions, an opportunity for consumers to engage with local nutritionists and trainers.

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    The first floor of Nike Miami features Women’s product including the Bra Fit Shop.

Continue reading

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Launches World’s First Travel Marketing Campaign To Feature Transgender Models

Groundbreaking Multi-Audience Advertising Campaign Launching In Mainstream and LGBT Media

The Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau will launch a new global marketing and advertising campaign on January 9th featuring three transgender models, and will become the world’s first destination to use transgender models in mainstream destination advertising. Greater Fort Lauderdale‘s campaign, which also features straight, gay and lesbian models, follows the destination’s long and storied history in LGBTQ marketing and is directed at a largely millennial and younger mind-set audience to showcase the destination’s image as an authentic, diverse and inclusive brand.Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau Logo

From the seagrass to the sawgrass, Greater Fort Lauderdale, located in Broward County, boasts more than 34,000 lodging accommodations at a variety of hotels, luxury spa resorts, and Superior Small Lodgings reflecting a “beach chic” vibe. Visitors enjoy 23 miles of Blue Wave certified beaches, discover 300+ miles of inland waterways that run from the Intracoastal Waterway to the Everglades, dine at thousands of restaurants and eateries, get immersed in a thriving arts and culture scene and indulge in top shopping.sunny-org_hero-2

The new advertisements, covering a full-spectrum of destination lifestyle experiences, will appear in print, digital, television, radio and social media throughout South Florida, New York, Boston, Chicago, and in national outlets such as New York TimesT Magazine, USA Today Travel Magazine, Passport, ManAboutWorld as well as on Spotify, Pandora, Hulu and in the destination’s collateral, website and e-blasts.

The campaign had an early premiere in New York City on December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2017 with a Times Square billboard video featuring Isabella Santiago, a Venezuelan model and 2014 Miss World Transgender. Viewed by millions, the video formed the backdrop to New York City’s famous New Year’s Eve ball drop. Campaign imagery was shot throughout Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, capturing a “beach and beyond” showcase of some of the destination’s most popular areas, including Fort Lauderdale Beach, Hallandale Beach, Deerfield Beach and Wilton Manors.

Using Trans models in our mainstream campaign says who we are as a destination; cosmopolitan, edgy, diverse, inclusive, authentic and accepting,” said Richard Gray, Managing Director LGBTQ Market, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We are the only destination in the world that is using Trans people in mainstream marketing initiatives. That is a huge statement in itself highlighting this destination’s commitment to diversity, inclusion and equality. We want all travelers that visit our destination to be free to be themselves, to be free to be accepted, and most of all to be safe and respected.

Greater Fort Lauderdale recently celebrated another destination first: in December, they were the first CVB to launch a 24/7 digital TV network – “Hello Sunny TV” – highlighting the destination’s growing appeal to affluent and millennial travelers. The Hello Sunny TV network will include a weekly live show planned to launch in early 2017 which will preview the upcoming week’s events and activities, as well as a dining segment and spotlight on the people and personalities behind Greater Fort Lauderdale. Hello Sunny TV and Greater Fort Lauderdale‘s new advertising campaign were developed by the CVB’s advertising agency, Starmark International.

I’m proud that we continue to be a leader in marketing innovation,” said Stacy Ritter, President/CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.We’ve established a popular and highly recognized destination brand presence that reflects the authentic experiences that people today, regardless of age, gender, religion or race, seek when they travel.”100 Continue reading

Enjoy The Most Complete Caribbean Vacation At Four Seasons Resort Nevis

New Venture NOW and Nevis My Way Packages Offer Guests Included Opportunities To Experience A More Authentic Caribbean

Starting January 5th, Four Seasons Resort Nevis is offering vacationers two new, exciting packages: Venture NOW – Activities Package, which offers a choice of an included daily activity, and Nevis My Way, which offers a USD 100 per room daily Resort credit plus daily breakfast buffet. Throughout, guests will bask in world-renowned, extraordinary Four Seasons service from every member of the Resort’s staff.

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Enjoy The Most Complete Caribbean Vacation, including golf on championship course, At Four Seasons Resort Nevis

Delivering gourmet dining, expansive adventures on land, sea and air, serene relaxation, culture immersion and luxurious exclusivity, Four Seasons Resort Nevis offers the most complete Caribbean resort experience. To help guests enjoy more of the Caribbean’s best.

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Enjoy The Most Complete Caribbean Vacation, including watersports, At Four Seasons Resort Nevis

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Enjoy The Most Complete Caribbean Vacation, including sailing, At Four Seasons Resort Nevis

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Enjoy The Most Complete Caribbean Vacation, including scuba diving, At Four Seasons Resort Nevis

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Enjoy The Most Complete Caribbean Vacation, including sailing, At Four Seasons Resort Nevis

For the adventure and culture seeker, the Venture NOW – Activities Package offers guests a menu of golf, tennis, watersports, culture and outdoor activities. Guests can choose among more than 30 activities daily, such as jet skiing, introduction to scuba diving, golf lessons, tennis clinics and horseback riding to get the heart pumping, or they can delve into the island’s rich heritage by taking a guided island tour in a car or atop a bike, or an excursion to visit Alexander Hamilton’s childhood home and the Nevis Museum of History. Continue reading

The Tranquilo Golf Club At Four Seasons Resort Orlando Welcomes PGA Tour Champions Stars In Challenge Season Event, The Diamond Resorts Invitational, To Benefit Florida Hospital For Children

The Tranquilo Golf Club, located at Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort, is pleased to be the host venue for the 2nd annual Diamond Resorts Invitational benefiting Florida Hospital for Children and taking place January 13-15, 2017. The three-day tournament will be nationally televised on Golf Channel.

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The Tranquilo Golf Club At Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Walt Disney World Resort

The event brings together up to 27 PGA TOUR Champions players, three LPGA players, and 50 celebrities from the sports and entertainment industry to compete side-by-side for purses totaling USD 1.25 million. PGA TOUR Champions players will compete for USD 750,000 over the 54-hole tournament, while celebrities will play for a USD 500,000 purse. The tournament will utilize a Modified Stableford scoring format, which awards points as opposed to strokes, encouraging players to make the most out of every hole and creating a heightened sense of anticipation for fans.tranquilogolfclub

We are thrilled to have the opportunity to host the Diamond Resorts Invitational and to welcome this world-class tournament to Tranquilo Golf Club,” said Thomas Steinhauer, Regional Vice President and General Manager of Four Seasons Resort Orlando. “It is a distinct honor to take part in an event that will benefit Florida Hospital for Children and leave a lasting charitable impact in our community.

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The Tranquilo Golf Club At Four Seasons Resort Orlando

Proceeds from the event’s live and silent auction will directly benefit the Florida Hospital for Children, one of the nation’s premier children’s hospitals, setting standards for innovation, quality and comprehensive care. The child-centric healing environment designed to keep kids comfortable is complemented by a staff of world-class doctors, specialists, nurses and healthcare professionals utilizing advanced technologies, therapies and treatments.

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The Tranquilo Golf Club At Four Seasons Resort Orlando

The Tranquilo Golf Club at Four Seasons Resort Orlando is named to reflect the Spanish revival style of the Resort and pay homage to the Florida landscape, such as the southern live oak trees that are found throughout the course. Originally built in 1992 and designed by Tom Fazio, the golf course was enhanced by Fazio for its October 2014 reopening. Enhancements included creating a completely new hole and renovated bunkers, plus improved visibility and airflow by enhancing the landscape design, in addition to a fully renovated clubhouse. The course is a par 71 and plays to 6,901 yards. Home to abundant wildlife, the course is certified by the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary program for golf by the National Audubon Society.four-seasons-logo-hres-htm

It’s very exciting for Tranquilo Golf Club to host this special tournament in its second year and to be put in the national spotlight on the Golf Channel,” said Charlie Kent, Director of Golf at Four Seasons Resort Orlando. “Our team has been working hard over the past few months to ensure the course is in impeccable condition for this main event. We could not be more thrilled to work with Diamond Resorts International and their team on this amazing tournament.” Continue reading

Andaz Brand Continues Expansion with Three New Locations

Brand Growth Accelerated With Hotels Expected To Open This Week In Arizona, Mexico And India

Hyatt Hotels Corporation announced today the official opening of Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, marking the first Mexican location for the Andaz brand, and the anticipated openings of Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa and Andaz Delhi. The three properties will join 13 other Andaz hotels, each celebrating the local culture and unique spirit of neighborhoods in diverse and culturally rich global gateway cities and top resort destinations around the world. With several more hotel openings in the pipeline, the Andaz brand provides global growth opportunities for Hyatt.andaz-logo

Global in scale while local in perspective, Andaz Hotels weave the sights, sounds and tastes of their surroundings into each property for an experience that truly immerses guests in the eclectic culture of each destination. Through personalized, unscripted service, Andaz hotels create a barrier-free environment where guests are encouraged to explore their personal sense of style and become inspired by the spirit of the culture around them. Fourteen Andaz hotels are currently open: Andaz 5th Avenue and Andaz Wall Street in New York, Andaz San Diego, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Napa, Andaz Savannah, Andaz Maui at Wailea, Andaz Ottawa By Ward Market, Andaz Peninsula Papagayo in Costa Rica, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Andaz London Liverpool Street, Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Andaz Xintiandi in Shanghai and Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.

Hyatt is committed to purposeful and meaningful growth,” said David Tarr, Senior Vice President Of Real Estate And Development, Hyatt. “With three Andaz hotels opening this week in very different parts of the world, and the recent opening of Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market, it’s clear the brand is a growth driver domestically and internationally for Hyatt’s luxury lifestyle brands.”

These hotels truly fulfill the spirit of the Andaz brand, weaving the sights, sounds and tastes of their surroundings into the experience and immersing guests in the local culture,” said Sandra Cordova Micek, Global Senior Vice President Of Brands, Hyatt. “Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, and Andaz Delhi will create environments where guests leave feeling enriched, knowing their experience was much more than the expected hotel stay.

Like all Andaz hotels, these properties will celebrate local culture and the spirit of their respective neighborhoods, bringing to life its history and personalities in unique and surprising ways. Now open and accepting reservations, Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya (Carretera Federal Cancun-Playa Del Carmen Km. 298; Playa del Carmen-Solidaridad, Quintana Roo, Mexico, 77710, Tel: +52 984 1491234) introduces guests to a hidden paradise. The resort’s breathtaking design reflects the native Mayan culture and brings to life locally inspired experiences and indigenous environment for guests, whether by exploring the lush mangrove preserve, relaxing in the 10,000 square-foot Naum Spa, sunbathing in one of three outdoor pools, or unwinding on the pristine white sanded Caribbean beach. The guestrooms and suites at Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya are naturally inspired with breezy, open layouts flooded with natural light and featuring refined artisan décor. Local artworks adorn the walls, and decorative tiles outfit the floors. Each room and suite includes a balcony or terrace with tropical views of the resort gardens and mangroves, the crystal clear lagoon, or the Caribbean Sea.

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Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

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Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

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Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya is located right on the beachfront, just north of Playa del Carmens intriguing community of shops, bars, and restaurants. The Riviera Maya coastline and the crystal blue waters of the Caribbean Sea provide endless opportunities for watersports such as jet skiing, snorkeling, and kitesurfing. The Yucatan Peninsula offers endless adventures, including the unique archaeological ruins at Chichen Itza and Tulum and the scenic natural swimming holes known as cenotes. Guests of the Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya also have access to the prestigious El Camaleón 18-hole golf course, the Mayakoba Tennis Centre, and a variety of outdoor activities.

Four unique restaurants and bars offer distinguished culinary experiences, serving fresh ingredients and showcasing authentic cooking techniques – all with stunning views of the pools, lagoon, and ocean. To ensure an authentic stay, the hotel has teamed up with a series of local artists, including Senkoe, a Riviera Maya graffiti artist, who was tapped to curate vibrant and colorful murals seen throughout the resort. They also offer a series of inspiring activities to allow guests to truly absorb Mayan culture, such as learning to speak the language or preparing the best tacos in a Tacology class.

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Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa Guestroom Exterior

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Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa Guestroom Shower

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Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa Guestroom

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Andaz Scottsdale Resort and Spa Guestroom Evening Walkaway

Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa is situated on 23 acres of sweeping desert landscape at the base of Camelback Mountain. Signature restaurant Weft & Warp Art Bar + Kitchen will feature an exhibition kitchen with a plancha and will serve contemporary Sonoran cuisine in small, sharable plates. Palo Verde Spa & Apothecary will offer guests seven treatment rooms and a customizable menu utilizing unique and indigenous ingredients, as well as the opportunity to invent their own concoctions at the Desert Blending Bar. Through an extensive artist in residence program in partnership with the nearby Cattle Track Arts community, guests will be able to interact, learn and create alongside local craftsman in painting, pottery, photography and more. The hotel is expected to open later this week. Continue reading

“Love Lanai At Four Seasons Resort Lanai”: Enjoy A Hawaiian Adventure With Unlimited Activities

There’s no limit to what one can see on Lanai. And now, there’s no limit to what one can do with the new Love Lanai experience from Four Seasons Resort Lanai. Now guests can enjoy unlimited Four Seasons activities from golf to sailing each and every day during their vacation getaway to Lanai, Hawaii’s exclusive island adventure.

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On property, guests can try their hand at championship golf at the award-winning Manele Golf Course

Experience an absolute escape at a resort with its own island to explore. On property, guests can try their hand at championship golf at the award-winning Manele Golf Course, where all 18 holes boast amazing ocean views; play tennis; or relax with a 60-minute spa treatment per person, per stay from the Love Lanai menu.

Humpback whale does a headstand at sunset with Lanai, Hawaii in the background.

Humpback whale does a headstand at sunset with Lanai, Hawaii in the background.

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Enjoy an evening cocktail on a Sunset Sail experience

Choose from a number of exciting ocean activities including a snorkel sail were waters teem with colorful fish and day octopus. Cast eyes across the seas to catch sight of humpbacks and spinner dolphins on a Whale Watch expedition or enjoy an evening cocktail on a Sunset Sail experience as the sun paints the sky a beautiful hue as the day comes to a close.

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Explore the rugged off-the-beaten-paths on a Polaris RZR.

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Upcountry adventures include horseback riding among the ironwood forests.

Upcountry adventures include horseback riding among the ironwood forests, an alternative way to explore the wooded valleys and trails of the extraordinary upland terrain of the Kaka’alani Flats. Or tour rugged off-the-beaten-paths on a Polaris RZR or Ranger as guides nimbly maneuver the trails while sharing their knowledge of the history of the island, the natural environment and heritage sites while heading to inspiring scenic vistas overlooking the neighbour islands. Continue reading

Experience Costa Mesa, The City of the Arts™, This Holiday Season

Southern California’s Costa Mesa is a year-round destination in The OC where dining, shopping and Broadway performances are just the beginning of the experience to be had in the “City of the Arts” and the holidays are a spectacular time to visit. Below is a round up of holiday events and specials Costa Mesa in 2016.Travel Costa Mesa

STAY

Stay in Costa Mesa & Get $100” with Participating Costa Mesa Hotels

Now through January 7, 2017, visitors who book and stay two nights in one of ten participating Costa Mesa hotels will receive a $100 South Coast Plaza gift certificate. Guests can use their $100 gift certificate at the South Coast Plaza and it’s more than 250 unique boutiques, fashion designer retailers and restaurants. In addition, the certificate is good for use at many restaurants around Costa Mesa, and for theater performances at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. For more information on the Stay and Get $100 offer and a list of participating hotels, please visit http://www.travelcostamesa.com/scp100.

NEW: BLVD Hotel, one of 11 branded properties in Costa Mesa has recently remodeled its lobby modifying its dining area to the Coast Lounge where they will offer complimentary evening happy hour for guests. This is the perfect addition for the chic, stylish boutique hotel.

SHOP
NEW: Weekend Max Mara at South Coast Plaza
The only North American store and located in Costa Mesa, Weekend Max Mara is the classic contemporary lifestyle collection within the Max Mara Group, created as an easy and wearable collection for weekends. From accessible ready-to-wear to accessories, the collection embodies an original sportswear foundation with focus on uncompromising quality, comfort and effortless style.

NEW: White Lilac at South Coast Plaza
Previously a private event service, White Lilac has opened its first boutique in Costa Mesa’s South Coast Plaza. Celebrated design company White Lilac’s signature home décor boutique showcases a unique, whimsical collection of gifts, housewares, accessories, furniture, and décor inspired by White Lilac innovative event designs for celebrity clients, dignitaries and iconic venues.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

NEW: Gun Whale Ales
A new craft brewing, blending and tasting room started by Southern California natives where the goal of their brew is to blend European-farmhouse tradition with West Coast styles made famous by California.

Ms Alice at The Mansion

Like a classic 1930s speakeasy, you’ll be wowed right when you walk through the door of this secluded bar located adjacent to popular Costa Mesa nightclub, Mansion. With the Alice in Wonderland twist on décor, unique cocktails and a menu that has your mouth watering, Ms Alice (purposely without a ‘period’) has no dedicated website, so you must visit in person to see why it is part of Costa Mesa’s eclectic dining scene.

NEW: Ruin Bar
Yet another creative dining experience,
Ruin Bar opened in later November 2016. Located in The LAB anti-mall in Costa Mesa, this is an unassuming treat to the bar scene. You’ll find a sophisticated drink menu, and bites to tempt your palate.

NEW: Popbar
Founded in New York,
Popbar has opened its first Costa Mesa location, serving up customizable PopGelato, PopSorbetta and YogurtPops. The authentic Italian treat is all-natural, gluten-free, low in sugar and fat and comes in a variety of flavors with traditional chocolate and vanilla, as well as banana and passion fruit. The twist is, you can customize your Popbar with a variety of dips and toppings.

BE ENTERTAINED
Segerstrom Center for the Arts December brings the sites and sounds of performances including American Ballet Theater featuring The Nutcracker (Dec. 9-18); Elf the Musical (Dec. 20 – Jan. 1); The Klezmatics Eastern European Hanukkah Concert (Dec. 22); Fiesta Navidad (Dec. 23) featuring Grammy Award-winning Mariachi Los Camperos de Nati Cano in this festive performance.

Additional upcoming holiday shows at Segerstrom include: Big Band Christmas (12/10), Bach Brandenburg Concertos Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center (12/14); Australian rockstars of opera, The Ten Tenors present “Home for the Holidays” (12/16-12/17); ‘Tis the Season featuring the Pacific Chorale and Pacific Symphony (12/18-12/19); American Idol alum David Archuleta on his Holiday Concert Tour (12/21). For more information on upcoming shows and to purchase tickets, visit http://www.travelcostamesa.com/calendar/upcoming-events/. Continue reading

Marquee Openings Across Europe Mark a Milestone Year for Marriott International’s The Luxury Collection

Luxury Brand Accelerates Growth By Reaffirming Its Presence In London And Paris, Opening Its First Ever Ski Resort In Cortina, As Well As Entering The Armenian Capital Yerevan

The Luxury Collection, part of Marriott International, Inc., announced the signings of five flagship properties for the brand: the internationally-renowned boutique hotel The Wellesley and the exclusive The Westbury in London, Hôtel de Berri, a new alluring hotel in the heart of Paris, Cristallo Resort & Spa in Cortina, Italy, the first ski resort of the collection, and The Alexander in Yerevan, marking the brand’s debut in Armenia. These illustrious additions to the portfolio will further strengthen the brand’s presence in Europe, with 2017 on target to be another milestone year for The Luxury Collection, one of Marriott International’s luxury brands.tlc-logo

Over the last few years, we have seen a seismic growth in luxury travel,” said Satya Anand, Chief Operations Officer, Luxury & Southern Europe, Marriott International.Together with the owners of these five new Luxury Collection hotels we are working towards meeting the increasing demand for luxury accommodations and offering our guests an extraordinary collection of luxury experiences in established and up-and-coming European destinations.”

The Luxury Collection® brand is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble, recently surpassing 100 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest.

Marriott International has the strongest team of luxury talent in the industry, with boundless creative energy. This, combined with The Luxury Collection’s remarkable global growth strategy, consolidates our position as the leading hospitality company serving the luxury consumer”, said Mitzi Gaskins, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “Europe offers tremendous potential and we are committed to increasing our footprint significantly with the world’s finest luxury hotels over the next few years. Our goal is to open 12 Luxury Collection hotels globally by the end of 2017, and with these five additions in Europe, we are well on track.”

The Wellesley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Knightsbridge, London

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The Wellesley, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Knightsbridge, London – The hotel’s interior Art Deco style (Photo: Business Wire)

An intimate and refined hotel converted from a luxurious 1920s townhouse, The Wellesley is ideally situated in the prestigious area of Knightsbridge, overlooking Hyde Park and steps away from London’s finest boutiques and acclaimed restaurants. Hotel guests have the opportunity to explore London in the hotel’s Rolls Royce and access 24-hour Butler service to suit their needs, lifestyle and expectations. Famed for its exquisite style and impeccable service, The Wellesley features 36 luxuriously appointed guest rooms and suites, with many offering panoramic views over the London Skyline. The hotel’s interior design is timeless with a sophisticated Art Deco style; bronze doors unveil a shimmering marble lobby highlighted by crystal chandeliers while the elegant guestrooms combine beautiful 1920s-inspired design with the latest modern amenities. Indulgent culinary venues include the Oval Restaurant; Crystal Bar, which features a vast selection of whisky, cognac and Armagnac; Jazz Lounge where guests can enjoy weekly live jazz performances; and the exceptional Cigar Terrace, an exclusive heated terrace complete with bespoke walk-in humidor and a connoisseur’s selection of the finest cigars. The Wellesley will become London’s third Luxury Collection Hotel when it joins the brand, slated for the first half of 2017. Continue reading

Now Taking Reservations: Hilton Bali Resort Welcomes Guests in the Heart of Nusa Dua

Hilton Hotels & Resorts Debuts in Bali with Stunning Cliff-Top Getaway

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Hilton Bali Resort Aerial View

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has announced the opening of Hilton Bali Resort, which joins 130 distinguished resort properties across the Hilton portfolio located in some of the world’s most sought-after destinations. Designed for travelers seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, Hilton Bali Resort (located at Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan, Bali, Indonesia) brings breathtaking views, extensive recreation facilities and magnificent event space to the Nusa Dua Beach enclave on Bali’s southern peninsula.

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Hilton Bali Resort Pool Aerial View

Hilton Bali Resort is a significant addition to our flagship brand portfolio, bringing Hilton Hotels & Resorts’ renowned hospitality to one of the world’s premier island destinations,” said Sean Wooden, vice president, brand management, Asia Pacific, Hilton. “Hilton continues to deliver world-class service and product innovations that meet the changing needs of discerning travelers and Hilton Bali Resort is well positioned to deliver exceptional experiences to every guest, every time.

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HiltonBali Resort Hotel Front Desk Lobby

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Hilton Bali Resort Lobby Bar

Hilton Bali Resort is situated atop a 40-meter cliff in the prestigious Nusa Dua area of Bali’s southern peninsula. Hilton Bali Resort is set within a lush 28-acre compound. Each of its 389 guest rooms and suites combine modern amenities with local Balinese charm and feature private balconies and terraces overlooking the Indian Ocean or the hotel gardens. Guests may also choose to stay in one of 19 exclusive villas which feature a private plunge pool, gazebo, separate living area, round-the-clock butler service and access to the private Nusa Dua Villa Lounge, or an Executive Room, which has access to the Executive Lounge. Hilton Bali Resort’s extensive recreational facilities boast four interconnecting swimming pools including an adult-only pool, a sand lagoon, a 30-meter waterslide and a Jungle Kid’s Club with indoor and outdoor playgrounds, and a 360-degree observation deck. In addition, guests may enjoy a sun deck, sauna, hot tub and gym, as well as a Mandara Spa, three indoor tennis courts and a retail outlet.

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Hilton Bali Resort’s Kupu-Kupu Amphitheater

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Hilton Bali Resort Executive Lounge

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Hilton Bali Resort’s Multi-Funtion Banquet Room

While offering direct access to one of the most picturesque beaches on the island, the property is also within 1.3 kilometers of the 18-hole Bali National Golf Course and various watersports centers, and 3.7 kilometers from the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center. Ngurah Rai International Airport and the Kuta shopping district are also approximately 15 kilometers from the hotel via the Mandara toll road.

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Nusa Dua One Bedroom Villa

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Nusa Dua One Bedroom Villa

Hilton Bali Resort is a testament to the confidence we have in this stunning resort destination and our deep commitment to serving the burgeoning market of Indonesia. This opening marks our fifth property in Indonesia and third in Bali alongside Conrad Bali and Hilton Garden Inn Bali – Ngurah Rai Airport,” said William Costley, vice president, operations, South East Asia & India, Hilton. “The location makes the hotel a great base for travelers visiting Bali, and positions us well to capture opportunities from Bali’s rising inbound and domestic tourism.” Continue reading

Artists And Entrepreneurs Come Together To Create One-Of-A-Kind Converse ‘Chucks’ And Raise Awareness For Ocean Conservation

Sir Richard Branson, Patrick Dempsey, Domingo Zapata, Emilio Perez, Dee & Ricky, Alison Mosshart, Andre Saraiva, Jose Pasillas, Uri Dotan, Leo Fitzpatrick, Sam Snyder, to participate in creation of shoes auctioned off at The Ocean Gala

www.theoceangala.com #TheOceanGala #OceanChucks

Select artists, celebrities, and entrepreneurs are helping raise awareness for ocean conservation through a Design Collaboration with Converse, in which each of them will custom design a pair of Converse Classic Chuck Taylors. Participants include entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson, actors Patrick Dempsey and Leo Fitzpatrick, The Kills singer-songwriter Alison Mosshart, Incubus drummer Jose Pasillas, designers Dee & Ricky and Sam Snyder, as well as world-renowned artists: Domingo Zapata, Emilio Perez, Uri Dotan, and Andre Saraiva. These one of a kind shoes will be auctioned off to raise funds for ocean conservation during the silent auction for this year’s Second Annual Ocean Gala in San Francisco on December 3, 2016, produced by MaiTai Global and OceanElders.

The Ocean Gala Converse Chucks

Custom designed #OceanChucks raise awareness for #oceanconservation via #TheOceanGala ‘s auction. (PRNewsFoto/The Ocean Gala)

The Ocean Gala brings together global leaders in the business and kiteboarding communities for a fundraiser to support ocean causes. The evening will include a live and silent auction, the announcement of the VR Challenge winner, and a performance by the San Francisco Ballet. This year’s gala hails attendees hail from over seven countries and include Sir Richard Branson, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Dr. Bertrand Piccard, Rob Stewart, and Captain Don Walsh. Sponsors include Virgin Unite, Other World Computing, Piaget, Macsales.com, Bitfury, Fairwarning, Setili & Associates, Events.com, Nowboat, Breathometer, Unofficial Cardboard, Ultra Capital, Tutor Group, and Know Audio.

This collaboration, giving a unique crop of artists an opportunity to express their dedication to the cause, is organized by Colette Young, Director of the Live and Silent Auction for the gala, who notes, “All these influential people coming together to create their own signature Chucks just underscores how vital it is for us to bring together people from all types of communities to stand up for ocean conservation efforts. Richard mentioned last week on his blog that we need to, “…help move the world’s leading economies from climate talk to climate action and to conserve the ocean from irreparable damage – perhaps two of the most daunting challenges the world has ever faced.

Los Angeles Artist and Musician Jose Pasillas designed one of the pair of Chucks and states, “I’m thrilled to be a part of The Ocean Gala Converse Collaboration because I’m an avid supporter of environmental conservation efforts. My concept is one of nature—water and life—which we must fight to protect.”

Alison Mosshart, musician from duo The Kills, enjoyed the process: “I harked back to that time as a child when everything is to be decorated, made unique, an expression of self. I had a day off on tour in Lisbon and sat on my hotel porch with the few art supplies I had, and started to draw. These shoes are covered in crowds, and conversations, amongst strangers. They are a coming together of people from all walks.

The signature Chucks will be available to bid on through the Ocean Gala‘s auction website, 501 Auctions, up until the Gala on December 3rd, 2016.The auction went live online at www.501auctions.com/theoceangala on November 17th, 2016, and other auction items include donations from Sir Richard Branson, Oliver Stone, Josh Groban, and The Fray. (A special thanks to Gabriel Schillinger and Jessica Stam for developing the Converse Collaboration opportunity.)

MaiTai Global, founded by Susi Mai and Bill Tai, is a group of extraordinary entrepreneurs, innovators and athletes whose collective passion of kiteboarding brings them together. www.maitaiglobal.com #MaiTaiGlobal

OceanElders, founded by Gigi Brisson, is an independent group of global leaders who have joined together to serve as a catalyst in the conservation and protection of the ocean. Notable members include Dr. Sylvia Earle, Sir Richard Branson, Captain Don Walsh, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Jim Cameron, Ted Turner, Jackson Browne, Dr. Bertrand Piccard, E.O. Wilson, Wade Davis, and Gerry Lopez. www.oceanelders.org #OceanElders

Nike Presents the 12 Soles Collection This Weekend

Available via the Nike+ SNKRS App, Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of Basketball

For the first time ever, Nike is launching the best of the past, present, and future of basketball through the 12 Soles Collection, a series of silhouettes that celebrate Nike and Jordan Brand’s impact on the sport of basketball. Just in time for the holiday season, the coveted set of footwear featuring performance and reimagined icons will launch across the entire month of December, culminating with a Christmas day surprise launch. The first shoe drops this Saturday and will be available on the Nike+ SNKRS app, on nike.com, and at select retailers globally.

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Nike presents the 12 Soles Collection this weekend, December 3-4, via the Nike+ SNKRS app. (Photo: Business Wire)

The collection represents several highlights of Nike’s basketball heritage: the Nike Air Force 1 (through its latest iterations, the SF AF-1 and AF-1 Upstep Warrior), Nike Air Max 2 Uptempo, Nike Uptempo, Nike Uptempo 97 and Nike Air Foamposite Pro.

These shoes join some of Nike’s most impactful recent innovations: the Nike Kobe XI Elite Low, Nike Zoom KD 9, Nike Kyrie 2 and Air Jordan XXXI. Rounding out the assortment are three Jordan icons: the Air Jordan IX Retro, Air Jordan XI Retro and Air Jordan XVI Retro.

Since Nike’s entry into basketball, with the Bruin and Blazer in 1972, we’ve been constantly innovating to meet the changing needs and style of the basketball athlete and consumer,” said VP, GM Nike Global Basketball, Craig Zanon.Basketball leaves an imprint on popular culture beyond the court and 12 Soles is a way to celebrate that.”

The full collection is on display and will be sold at the new Nike Soho store (529 Broadway).

LeBron James is the 2016 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year

According to the editors of Sports Illustrated, anyone can make a case for sports itself as the 2016 Sportsperson of the Year. How many tweets, Instagram posts, memes, GIFs, Vines (RIP!) throughout the year began and ended with that single word? Every month, it seemed, unlocked a new watershed moment, a little bit bigger and more dramatic than the previous one, a sort of Russian nesting doll in reverse. Who, in January, would have been so bold to divine that both the Cubs and a team from Cleveland would win a championship, or that a 5,000-1 shot would win the English Premier League championship? Other, less shocking events—the continued Olympic excellence of Bolt, Phelps, Ledecky and Biles; a record-tying seventh NASCAR championship for Jimmie Johnson—bolstered a powerful argument for this being the Greatest Year in Sports. In the end, however, one person absolutely came out on top.

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Photo credit: Robert Beck/ Sports Illustrated (PRNewsFoto/Time Inc.)

Time Inc.‘s Sports Illustrated today announced that Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is the 2016 Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year. In a year full of stirring and historic performances across all sports, James was transcendent, rallying the Cavaliers from a 3-1 deficit against the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals to deliver the city of Cleveland’s first championship in a major sport since 1964. James, who has now won three NBA titles, was named Finals MVP for the third time in his career. More important to fans in Cleveland, he delivered on the promise he made when he returned to the Cavaliers as a free agent in 2014: to bring the franchise in his home state its first NBA crown. James will be honored at the Sportsperson of the Year event at Barclays Center, in Brooklyn on December 12.

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SI 2016 Sportsperson of the Year (PRNewsFoto/Time Inc.)

James will be honored alongside the 2016 SI Sports Illustrated Muhammad Ali Legacy Award Winners Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Jim Brown and Bill Russell; the SI Kids SportsKids of the Year and other top names and moments from the year in sports at SI’s special Sportsperson of the Year celebration taking place at Barclays Center on December 12. The star-studded affair, which will also be attended by Lonnie Ali, will include a special awards dinner and ceremony with tributes to some of the world’s most legendary athletes and special guests.

Since 1954, Sports Illustrated has annually presented the Sportsperson of the Year award to the player, coach or team who has best personified the ideals of athletic achievement and sportsmanship. James, who was also SI’s SOTY in 2012, is only the second two-time winner of the award (Tiger Woods: 1996, 2000). The list of past SOTY honorees is a who’s who of the greatest athletes of the last half century who have transcended their sport including Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King, Arthur Ashe, Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky and Serena Williams. This is the seventh time the Sportsperson award has gone to a professional basketball player. The others were Dwyane Wade (2006), Tim Duncan and David Robinson (’03), Michael Jordan (1991), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1985) and Bill Russell (1968).

It’s hard to remember a year with such a crowded field of Sportsperson candidates,” said Chris Stone, Sports Illustrated Editor in Chief. “But in the end LeBron James was the clear choice. It’s not just the way he took over the NBA Finals—though that performance was epic. It’s that LeBron was also carrying the weight of that promise he made when he returned to Cleveland in 2014. It’s a special thing for a favorite son to follow through on that kind of commitment to his hometown. Especially since he doubles down on that commitment off the court, with the work his foundation does for underserved kids in Akron and with his increasing willingness to speak out in the fight for social justice. On court and off, James was the athlete in full in 2016.”

James, a four-time NBA MVP and 12-time All-Star, enhanced his legacy as one of basketball’s all-time greats in this year’s NBA Finals. With the Cavaliers down three games to one, he scored 41 points in Game 5 and again in Game 6 to help Cleveland tie the series. In the deciding seventh game, a four-point Cavaliers win on the Warriors’ home court, James had a triple-double, just the third such performance ever in a Finals Game 7. His come-from-behind block of Andre Igoudala‘s attempted fast-break layup with less than two minutes to play instantly became one of the iconic plays in NBA history and a key factor in Cleveland becoming the first NBA team to come back from a 3-1 deficit and win the title.

James’s impact extends beyond the court. Through the LeBron James Family Foundation the Akron native has partnered with The University of Akron to guarantee four-year scholarships to qualifying children in James’s Akron I PROMISE Network program. Currently there are more than 1,100 students enrolled, the equivalent of more than $41 million in support. His Wheels for Education program supports at-risk third-grade students in the inner city and follows them all the way through graduation and beyond, and last month the foundation established the I PROMISE Institute, aimed at making the transition to college easier for these students and their families by providing the resources and support they need as they pursue their higher educations. Additionally, the foundation recently announced a $2.5 million donation to the Muhammad Ali exhibit at the new Smithsonian Museum of African American History and Culture honoring Ali’s legacy in athletics, activism and beyond.

Following the announcement, James said via Twitter, “Humbled! This honor belongs to everyone around me: my family, fans, team, & my @ljfamfoundation kids. #WeAreFamily #StriveForGreatness #RWTW

Four Seasons Resort And Residences Whistler Launches High-Altitude Dining

Explore A Collection Of Curated Taste Of Place Experiences With Four Seasons Hotels And Resorts

Available now through October 2017, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is offering High-Altitude Dining as part of the new Four Seasons Taste of Place global initiative.

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Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

The Taste Of Place Global Initiative features a curated collection of culinary experiences available only through Four Seasons that invites guests and local gourmands to step behind the scenes and take a look at diverse local culinary practices, traditions and experiments. Participating properties worldwide have created comprehensive itineraries that will explore uncharted aspects of the local food culture, building on the personal relationships and intimate connections between Four Seasons and local food vendors, farmers, butchers, distillers and mixologists. The exclusive experiences range from private tours of regional breweries and vineyards to deep sea fishing excursions and farm-to-table mixology classes. In addition, several curated itineraries will immerse guests in progressive dining experiences that unfold in unique settings with remarkable views of the natural landscape.

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Guests are invited to embark on an unforgettable adventure that begins with a short and scenic drive from the Resort to Whistler’s heliport. A private helicopter awaits to whisk guests to a remote ice cap as they sip on a glass of sparkling Moët Ice Impérial.

Taste Of Whistler: High-Altitude Dining, a high-flying culinary experience features glacial peak aperitifs and panoramic mountain views. Guests are invited to embark on an unforgettable adventure that begins with a short and scenic drive from the Resort to Whistler’s heliport. A private helicopter awaits to whisk guests to a remote ice cap as they sip on a glass of sparkling Moët Ice Impérial. To ensure a completely cosy Canadian experience guests will be provided with Canada Goose black label parkas and sleek, waterproof Sorel boots to keep, ensuring maximum comfort and warmth for this excursion and years to come.

Four Seasons Resort Whistler

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler

The helicopter delivers guests to a nearby glacial peak where they embark on an ice cave exploration, discovering a 12,000-year-old labyrinth of chambers of aqua blue magnificence. While engaging in this spectacular sightseeing, participants are required to gather a crucial ingredient for the upcoming cocktail session – pure glacier ice. The Resort’s Mixologist will shake the ice into one of their signature specialties amid the majestic beauty of Whistler’s mountain peaks.

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The helicopter delivers guests to a nearby glacial peak where they embark on an ice cave exploration, discovering a 12,000-year-old labyrinth of chambers of aqua blue magnificence. (Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort And Residences Whistler)

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(Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort And Residences Whistler)

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(Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort And Residences Whistler)

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(Image courtesy of Four Seasons Resort And Residences Whistler)

Once cocktail hour is complete, guests will board the helicopter and take in the alpine scenery before returning to a luxurious Private Residence featuring panoramic views. Executive Chef Eren Guryel will prepare a memorable dinner boasting locally sourced ingredients and premium meat cuts paired with custom cocktails that complement each dish. Continue reading

“Experiential” Nike Soho Store Debuts the Future of Sport Retail

NIKE, Inc. opened its newest retail experience, Nike Soho, on Friday, November 11th: a five-story, multi-sport, 55,000-square-foot digitally connected store located at 529 Broadway at Spring Street in the heart of New York City’s Soho neighborhood.

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The new Nike Soho Flagship is designed to deliver the best of Nike products and personalized services through a series of re-imagined spaces.

The new Nike Soho Flagship is designed to deliver the best of Nike products and personalized services through a series of reimagined spaces. Guided by a large team of highly trained Nike store athletes, Nike Soho offers one-of-a-kind immersive experiences for consumers.

We’re leading the transformation of sport retail—offering the best of Nike products, services and experiences under one roof,” said Heidi O’Neill, Nike’s President of Global Direct to Consumer. “With Nike Soho we can realize the promise of personalized performance. Powered by immersive digital trials and in-store experts, this store is about elevating every athlete’s potential. Whether you’re training for a marathon or shooting hoops on our in-store court, or if you love sneakers, Nike Soho will help you raise your game. Because it’s more than a store—it’s a personal sport experience.

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Nike Soho features the Nike+ SNKRS experience, a 54-foot wide dual gender Nike Sportswear footwear wall which is the largest in any Nike store worldwide. (Photo: Business Wire)

Nike Soho’s one-of-a-kind spaces are the ultimate service destinations and include: interactive digital Nike+ Running and Basketball Trials; the Nike+ Soccer Trial Zone, where consumers can try out the latest soccer cleats; the Nike+ Service Station, a dedicated service space to consult with Nike certified store experts; Nike By NYC, a personalization studio; The Lounge, a women’s boutique within the store with greatly expanded and enhanced fitting rooms and personal styling service; and The Stands, an in-store space where consumers can connect with one another, learn about the latest product drops or hear from a designer in residence.

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The Nike+ Basketball Trial Zone simulates the feel of the game, with five sensors circling the court, guiding consumers as they test product through custom drills and taking them on an immersive experience in New York’s Dyckman or Brooklyn Bridge Parks. (Photo: Business Wire)

Nike Soho also features the ultimate scene for sneakerheads, the Nike+ SNKRS experience. The 54-foot wide dual-gender Nike Sportswear footwear wall is the largest in any Nike store worldwide and has the largest in-season collection of the iconic Nike Air Force 1 in the company’s global fleet of stores. NSW products will premiere on the wall, showcasing the company’s best in sport style innovation.

It’s great to see the everyday athlete getting the same personalized treatment from Nike that I’ve enjoyed over the years,” said tennis champion Serena Williams. “When you have experts guiding you along the way, it can make all the difference to your game. I’ve been to a lot of Nike stores over the years and Soho’s personal touches and focus on style, service and experiences are unlike any other. I can’t wait to see what New York shoppers think of it.”

Nike Soho offers some of the hottest products – from brand-defining innovation to Nike Soho exclusives to Nike and Jordan Brand restocks including: LeBron Soldier X collaboration with designer John Elliott; Air Force 1 Low NYC HS; iconic Jordan silhouettes; and local designer collaboration tees.

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Nike Soho features a wide variety of Nike Basketball and Jordan Brand products on the store’s fifth floor. (Photo: Business Wire)

The store also has a special display of the last pair of the Nike Mag shoe that was auctioned on Saturday, Nov. 12 to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The Nike Mag is on display alongside a pair of Nike HyperAdapt 1.0, which will go on sale in early December. For the first time, consumers can also see the collection of Nike’s 12 Soles Collection, a tribute to Nike’s deep roots in basketball with a nod to the future. The first drop of the collection will be available at Nike Soho in early December. The recently released Apple Watch Nike+ is also sold in the store. Continue reading

Carhartt Launches Fall Hunting Wear Campaign

All-New Big Game And Upland Field Hunt Gear Designed For A Higher Purpose

Carhartt, America’s premium workwear brand since 1889, announced the #HuntYourLegacy campaign, which is all about measuring hunting success through building a legacy for generations to come. Introducing Carhartt‘s high-performance Buckfield and Upland Field hunting gear built with “a higher purpose for those who believe that making memories, forging bonds and sharing wisdom is the essence of the great tradition of hunting”.Carhartt Logo

Dating back to the launch of our Super Dux hunting line in 1930, hardworking people have taken Carhartt into the woods for over a century and we believe that hunting is about the preparation, shared wisdom and the legacy that is passed down from generation to generation,” said Tony Ambroza, senior vice president of marketing at Carhartt. “Keeping traditions alive and sharing them with those you love and with those you love to hunt with is what the experience in the rugged outdoors is all about.

Established in 1889, Carhartt is legendary for its premium workwear designed to withstand even the toughest job sites and rugged corners of the Earth. In 1930, Carhartt manufactured its very first line of hunt-specific gear, since then, Carhartt has continued to launch gear built for the rugged outdoors.

Built on the conviction that every hunt is once in a lifetime, the Carhartt Buckfield and Upland Field Hunting Collections are designed to tackle every rugged corner of the great outdoors.

The Buckfield Collection

Made from a lightweight softshell fabric with Carhartt’s signature Rain Defender® durable water repellent technology, the Buckfield jacket and pant in Realtree Xtra® camouflage is stealthy, soft and tough with its inherent dislike of water and wind.maxresdefault-1

Buckfield Jacket

  • 9.75-ounce, 100 percent polyester
  • Rain Defender® durable water repellent
  • Underarm panels for ease of movement
  • Zip-trough mock neck with detachable hood
  • Chest map pocket with magnetic closure; two lower-pockets

Buckfield Pant

  • 9.75-ounce, 100 percent polyester
  • Rain Defender® durable water repellent
  • Sits at waist with relaxed seat and thigh
  • Ankle to knee leg zippers with storm flap
  • Partial elastic waistband with hook-and-loop side adjusters

Continue reading

Under Armour Expands To Boston’s Back Bay With Its Largest Brand House Opening Of 2016

Global Performance Brand To Open Its First Specialty Retail Store In Boston At The Iconic Prudential Center

Under Armour, will open the doors of its newest specialty retail location tomorrow, November 3, at the Prudential Center in Boston’s Back Bay, one of the city’s most vibrant and popular retail destinations. With a focus on cutting-edge products and design, the Boston Brand House serves as a striking example of the brand’s commitment to offering customers an unparalleled shopping experience. The Boston Brand House will be open Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., on Sundays 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and can be reached at 617-236-1723.UNDER ARMOUR, INC. LOGO

Featuring men’s, women’s and youth apparel, footwear and accessories, the Boston Brand House is the region’s signature space to shop a full line of Under Armour products that make athletes look, feel and perform their best.

Under Armour Boston Brand House

Under Armour Expands To Boston’s Back Bay With Its Largest Brand House Opening Of 2016 (PRNewsFoto/Under Armour, Inc.)

Featuring nearly 19,000 square feet of interactive retail space across two floors, the brand’s latest innovations are highlighted across various product categories, including training, running, basketball, golf, studio, outdoor, team sports, youth and footwear.

Delivering a fully immersive brand experience, Under Armour tells its brand story through digital displays that inform and inspire. Youth customers are engaged with the Optojump experience, an interactive readiness/skill test that helps athletes measure speed, power, and reaction.

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Under Armour Expands To Boston’s Back Bay With Its Largest Brand House Opening Of 2016 (PRNewsFoto/Under Armour, Inc.)

A wall map in the fitting rooms follows a run path from the perspective of the brand’s Connected Fitness running community. The path starts at the Brand House leading to Boston’s most historical and well-known trail; each fitting room represents a mile marker and landmark along the renowned trail.

The store offers a dedicated space for the new UAS™ label of modern American sportswear. UAS™ is designed to artfully fuse the worlds of sports and fashion, while delivering intuitive product optimized for the variable conditions of everyday life.

Bostonians have a true passion for sports and a fortitude that is hard to rival – qualities which are the essence of the Under Armour Brand,” said Susie McCabe, Senior Vice President of Global Retail. “The Under Armour Boston Brand House will highlight our commitment to making all athletes better through performance and innovation, while providing consumers with an elevated shopping experience.” Continue reading

Tommy John Launches Tommy John Labs, Expands Clothing Collection

Tommy John puts the same technology, innovation and comfort into their new collection of men’s apparel

Tommy John has announced the launch of Tommy John Labs, and the debut of the brands exclusive, dynamic collection of men’s apparel. This collection boasts technologically advanced fabrics for added functionality, but maintains the same stellar fit and comfort that Tommy John customers have come to expect.

Tommy John new products

The light weight Performance Tech Quarter-Zip features soft-touch thermo-fabric, that provides ultimate warmth and moisture wicking, for multi-seasonal wear. (PRNewsFoto/Tommy John)

Tommy John was born with the idea to make men more comfortable,” said Tom Patterson, founder and CEO of Tommy John. “We started with innovating outdated undergarments and now see an opportunity to expand beyond that into casual wear while maintaining the same fundamental focus on fabric, fit and functionality.”

With the launch of Tommy John Labs, the company debuts four new Tommy John styles; the Performance Tech Quarter-Zip, the Lightweight Performance Pant, the Quick-Dry Henley and the Quick-Dry Hoodie. Tommy John will continue to launch new Tommy John Labs products seasonally, along with further developing the brand’s collections of premium men’s underwear, undershirts, socks and t-shirts.

Tommy John Logo

Tommy John (PRNewsFoto/Tommy John)

We are a problem solution based brand committed to keeping men comfortable in their daily lives,” said Josh Dean, CMO of Tommy John. “We are launching Tommy John Labs as a platform to go beyond our core business and offer smart solutions that eliminate distractions men face with malfunctioning apparel. We’re excited to see where that takes us.

This announcement comes just after Tommy John partnered with actor Kevin Hart as an investor in the company. Tommy John has grown 2.5 times year over year since 2014 and is set to exceed $100M in sales by 2018.

New Season, New Ambitions, New Footwear Arsenal: Under Armour And Stephen Curry To Launch The Curry 3

Set To Drop October 25, The Newest Addition To The Reigning MVP’s Signature Collection Is Powered By Breakthrough Technology And Infused With Game-Changing Design

Stephen Curry returns to the court this season with a renewed drive, hunger and focus on the future. Fueled by Stephen’s unwavering will to always take his game to the next level, Under Armour will drive the game of basketball forward with the latest addition to Curry’s signature footwear collection, the Curry 3.

Being able to work directly with my team at Under Armour on the Curry 3 has been an incredible experience,” said Curry. “Our team’s knowledge and expertise on the science of building a shoe is unparalleled, and pairing with what works for my body and my game, I know that we have created something really special. Working in collaboration with my UA team from start to finish on inspiration, design and fit will without question drive us to success.”

Constructed with proprietary technologies and designed to drive the league’s back-to-back MVP to new heights, the Curry 3 is the optimal combination of lightweight support, balance, speed and durability. Powered by Under Armour’s newest breakthrough in fabric technology, Threadborne™, Under Armour and Curry have created a new shoe that breaks the mold of what to expect from basketball footwear, with innovative technology and design.

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The New Curry 3-Dub Nation Heritage colorway from Under Armour

Tech Specifications:

  • Threadborne™ is a new technology created by Under Armour’s innovators after examining a parachute, specifically paracord, a strong piece of material that is at the equipment’s core. Within the weave construction of paracord, Under Armour discovered ultra-durable yarns and rebuilt them into a fabric engineered to withstand the rigors of an 82 game season and support the two-time MVP as he transcends the limits of the game. The Curry 3 Threadborne fabric is comprised of braided thread that wraps around a larger, corded panel, delivering unparalleled lightweight directional strength and infinite support.
  • Meta-Wing lines the heel of the Curry 3 to expressly support the subtalor joint—the joint that connects the ankle and heel bones, and is crucial in terrain balance, pivoting and shock absorption. The shoes create a snug fit that is unrivaled in stabilizing the foot, ensuring the most complete and efficient way to cut and move laterally on the basketball court.
  • Anafoam is constructed on the medial to deliver body-mapped fit, lightweight structure and support.
  • Charged Cushioning™ is a unique foam technology, which absorbs impact and converts it into a responsive burst, making each stride or change of direction explosive.
  • Herringbone Traction: The return of Herringbone traction on the sole of the Curry 3 amplifies stability, grip and support on the court.

Stephen is an exceptional basketball player whose talent is only exceeded by his will to be better every day, on-and-off the court,” said Dave Dombrow, Chief Design Officer. “Our team is inspired by Stephen’s passion for the game and his ingenuity has driven our partnership to create the world’s most technically innovative shoe in the Curry 3, and to keep driving performance footwear forward in-step with the back-to-back MVP.UNDER ARMOUR, INC. LOGO

The Curry 3 mid style retails for $140.00 and debuts globally at UA.com and the UA Shop App on October 25 with the “Dub Nation Heritage” colorway. The “SC Camo” colorway follows with a release at retailers worldwide on October 27.

Christian Louboutin Announces Limited Edition Capsule Collection With SportyHenri.com

Christian Louboutin has announced an exclusive capsule collection, a first-of-its-kind collaboration, with SportyHenri.com, the newly launched e-concept store founded by former professional handball player Henri Tai.

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Former professional handball player Henri Tai

The reason behind the e-concept store, as personified by Tai (and as told to WWD in April), is “to show that people can practice sport while being elegant.SportyHenri.com offers a carefully curated edit of active-wear and lifestyle clothing, footwear and sporting accessories (all selected by Tai personally) for discerning athletes and stylish men the world over. The site features a diverse mix of international sports brands as well as innovative and emerging lifestyle labels all hand-selected by Tai. The edit is complemented by editorial content, mixed with advice and top tips from “The Gang”, world-renowned athletes and passionate friends of Tai’s who share thoughts and experiences on their sport and the goal to elevate their day-to-day sporting life.

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Christian Louboutin and SportyHenri.com Capsule Collection (Left to Righ) SHLouis Junior, SHBipBip Flat, SHOne Flat, SHBlue Flat. Credit: The Gaabs

Taking inspiration from the Sporty Henri motto, “Mettre Le Sport En Valeur,” Christian Louboutin created four limited edition styles, each based on beloved and highly collectible sneaker silhouettes in his men’s collection including a classic high top in the SH Bip Bip Flat and low rise SH Louis Junior. The trainers leverage the Sporty Henri brand’s clean color palette of white, cobalt blue and black, as well as the distinctive logo – a playful and elegant profile inspired by Tai. SH One Flat and SH Blue Flat feature Maison regular spike detailing whilst all the designs are finished with the signature Christian Louboutin red sole, here in relaxed rubber.

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Christian Louboutin and SportyHenri.com Capsule Collection (Left to Right) SHOne Flat, SHBlue Flat. Credit: The Gaabs

Of the limited edition collection, Christian Louboutin says, “It’s a real pleasure for me to touch and create some exclusive designs which, I think, represent the values that are dear to Henri: sport mixed with style in a fun and colourful way. I am thrilled to be part of the new adventure of SportyHenri.com, and I wish their team and their clients all the best in a sporty and stylish world.

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Christian Louboutin and SportyHenri.com Capsule Collection )Left to Right) SHLouis Junior, SHBipBip Flat. Credit: The Gaabs

The collaboration with Christian Louboutin marks the first exclusive capsule created for the site.

Of the collaboration with Christian Louboutin, Tai says“For me, clothes are an extension of myself, they let me express something about who I am, about my personality, but also they let me explore it. It is this vision that I want to bring to life with SportyHenri.com, and here it takes form through this wonderful capsule collection of trainers by Christian Louboutin, which I feel very privileged to offer our clients exclusively,”

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Christian Louboutin and SportyHenri.com Capsule Collection Red Sole. Credit: The Gaabs

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Christian Louboutin and SportyHenri.com Capsule Collection SH Bip Bip Flat Detail. Credit: The Gaabs

This exciting new collaboration is the second project for the friends, Louboutin and Tai having teamed up to support the Cuban National delegation as Official Supplier of the Celebratory Outfit in the recent Olympic Games in Rio. In consultation with the athletes themselves, they created an elegant uniform befitting the glorious celebratory moments of their Olympic journey, created solely for use of the Cuban National delegation to celebrate their participation which were not sold.

The capsule collection of Christian Louboutin for SportyHenri.com limited edition trainers is now available online at www.SportyHenri.com exclusively, and at select Christian Louboutin flagship boutiques including New York, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Seoul, Dubai, Tokyo and Beijing.

See more of the limited edition collection by Christian Louboutin @LouboutinWorld @LouboutinHomme and @SportyHenri, #ClxSportyHenri.

Lands’ End Opens Pop-Up Shop in New York City’s SoHo Neighborhood

New Yorkers (And Visitors to The City) Can Now Shop the Latest Collection of Lands’ End’s Family of Brands and Take Advantage of Personalization Services and Experiences In-Store

The Store Will Prominently Feature the Brand’s Most Recent Introductions; Canvas by Lands’ End and Lands’ End Sport.

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Lands’ End (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End, Inc.)

The Lands’ End Experience has arrived in SoHo. Lands’ End has announced the opening of the company’s artfully designed pop-up shop in New York City, September 8, 2016February 15, 2017. The store will fit into the famously artistic neighborhood, where Lands’ End will showcase the company’s masterful art form of continuously providing quality, value and legendary service to customers.

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The Lands’ End experience has arrived in SoHo at 580 Broadway in New York City. (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End, Inc.)

The shop’s two-floor location on Broadway (580 Broadway, New York, NY. Store Hours: 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday; 11am to 7pm on Sundays) will have 8,000 square feet of men’s, women’s and kids’ apparel, footwear and accessories from the 2016 Fall, Holiday and Winter collections, as well as the brand’s latest collections, Canvas by Lands’ End™ and Lands’ End Sport, along with a variety of personalization services and experiences.

Canvas Logo

Lands’ End is excited to announce the launch of Canvas by Lands’ End(TM), a youthful, modern collection for men and women. Available at canvasbylandsend.com (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End, Inc.)

Lands End Inc Canvas FALL 2016

Emma Roberts has a new role, the face of Canvas by Lands’ End’s fall campaign. Photographed by Mario Testino, the campaign centers around the beautiful Roberts and Australian male model Jordan Barrett, wearing a mix of the pieces from the anticipated Canvas by Lands’ End(TM) fall collection. (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End, Inc.)

Lands’ End Kids and Home products will be available shortly after the store’s opening. In time for the holiday season, a Gift Shop will be introduced and located at the front of the store featuring a thoughtful, curated collection of gifts for everyone on the holiday list.

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Introducing the Lands’ End Surf collection, fully functional pieces from land to sea, high-performance to athleisure, available at http://www.landsendsport.com (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End)

LE SPORT Logo

Lands’ End Sport Logo (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End)

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Introducing Lands’ End Sport Taking Activewear and Athleisure from Land to Sea for a Healthy Mind, Healthy Body (PRNewsFoto/Lands’ End)

Customers visiting the Lands’ End store will also have the opportunity to shop, indulge and relax in the following experiences:

  • Women’s Cashmere Bar – The softest bar in town, the Lands’ End Women’s Cashmere Bar features a variety of colors and styles of the popular sweaters ranging from cardis to crewnecks and made of 100 percent Inner Mongolian cashmere – the longest, softest fibers.
  • Men’s Haberdashery Shop – Lands’ End is known for high-quality, stylish men’s tailored apparel and the Men’s Haberdashery Shop will not disappoint visitors in SoHo. Complete with a billiards table for customer enjoyment, men can discover dapper items ranging from sport coats and tailored pants to buttondowns that can even be monogrammed on-site.
  • On-Site Personalization Shop –Personalization can be added to almost everything sold in-store, from monogramming totes and sweaters to adding embroidery to fleece throws or gloves. The shop will even feature on-site heat stamping for leather items including gloves, belts and handbags.
  • Sweets, Treats & Hot Cocoa – Shoppers can take a break and enjoy a variety of sweet treats and hot cocoa while relaxing in a variety of seating throughout the store.
  • Social Gathering Space – Store visitors can take a seat and refresh and even recharge electronics at the electronic charging station as well as take advantage of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the store.

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Lands’ End’s latest retail initiative brings our family of brands together to offer a new shopping experience to our loyal customers who know us for our customer service, quality and timeless style,” said Federica Marchionni, CEO, Lands’ End. “In addition, we welcome new generations of fans to discover Lands’ End firsthand and see our array of new favorites, including Canvas by Lands’ End and Lands’ End Sport.”

Mangos Jamaica Launches as the Island’s Newest Adult-Only, All-Inclusive Boutique Beach Resort

Jamaica’s newest boutique beach resort, Mangos Jamaica (Coopers Pen, Falmouth, Trelawny, 00000, Jamaica, reservations@mangosjamaica.com, +1 (876) 617 5605), opened its doors to guests earlier this summer. Mangos Jamaica offers sanctuary to couples looking for a real taste of natural Jamaica as well as a great escape for friends.61875791-jpg-1024x0

Located on the Northwest Coast of Jamaica in the village of Coopers Pen, the resort is just a 30 minute car journey from Montego Bay and its International Airport with Ocho Rios just under an hour by car.62325312-jpg-1024x0-1

This adult-only, all-inclusive, family–run property provides a truly authentic Jamaican experience and a unique, personalized alternative to other large-scale resort choices.

This newly branded 3.5-star resort features a tennis court complete with coach, a gym, a freeform swimming pool with swim-up bar, water slide and two hot tubs, beach cabanas, four restaurants and four bars serving premium brand drinks, unbeatable wedding venues and wedding coordinator, a games room, gift shop, spa, tour/activity desk and free Wi-Fi throughout. Spa services are available at an additional charge.

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Mangos Jamaica

All 96 spacious guest rooms have been designed to reflect traditional Jamaican style with a contemporary twist and are arranged in low rise, wooden buildings with either a pool, beach or lush tropical garden view, and come complete with king bed, balcony and in-room stocked mini-bar.62332303-jpg-1024x0

Food aficionados will be spoiled with a range of both casual and more formal dining options including: Splash Pool Grill & Traditional Jerk Kitchen serving barbecue and grilled Jamaican food, Elements offering International and Jamaican cuisine, Bamboo Beach Restaurant for beachside a la carte dining, and the Italian Café Cantina. Continue reading

Tommy Bahama Announces NFL Partnership for the 2016 Season

Tommy Bahama - NFL Collection 2016

Tommy Bahama NFL Collection 2016 (PRNewsFoto/Tommy Bahama)

Tommy Bahama and the National Football League have teamed up for the fourth year on an officially licensed collection of premium sportswear for the 2016 season and other exciting new initiatives to celebrate football this Fall. The co-branded collection offers a distinctive series of Tommy Bahama apparel for men and women custom designed solely for the NFL.

Tommy Bahama Logo

Tommy Bahama (PRNewsFoto/Tommy Bahama)

Established in August 1992, with corporate headquarters in Seattle, Tommy Bahama is an island-inspired lifestyle brand that defines relaxed, sophisticated style in men’s and women’s sportswear, swimwear, accessories, footwear and a complete home furnishings collection. The company owns and operates over 160 Tommy Bahama retail locations worldwide, 16 of which offer a Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar.homepage_grid_20160816_2

For Fall, the Tommy Bahama NFL Collection of men’s and women’s sportswear continues to be a fan favorite. Comfortable knits, performance fabrics and playful prints are interpreted in high quality sportswear styles detailed with NFL team logos, colors and trims. Tommy Bahama NFL product will also be featured in the NFL’s “Not Just for Game Day” campaign, which encourages fans to wear their team apparel all week long. With a variety of sportswear styles in the NFL collection, who better than Tommy Bahama to provide fans with a way to show their style and team spirit for any occasion.mens-banner-nfl-20160816

The Tommy Bahama NFL collection for Men and Women is available at www.TommyBahama.com and at select retail locations. The 2016 season lineup includes:

  • The NFL Gridiron Half-Zip is made of a soft French Terry fabric, with a quilted front panel and embroidered NFL team logo on the chest. This is a perfectly subtle way to show your team spirit on any occasion. Available in all NFL teams. Retail price: $148.
  • The Double Eagle Spectator Polo, a lightweight knit polo with team logo on the chest, puts a dressy spin on a classic style. A great choice for game day, a round of golf or time spent at the office! Available for select NFL teams only. Retail price: $118.
  • The Double Eagle Long Sleeve Crew, a lightweight performance knit crewneck t-shirt with a logo on the chest, works on its own or as a layering piece. Available for most NFL teams. Retail price: $110.
  • The Floral Blitz T-Shirt in lightweight cotton knit is a must-have for those warm weather season openers! The crewneck t-shirt in a shadow floral print features raw-edged seams at the shoulders and a printed team logo on the chest. Available in all NFL teams. Retail price: $88.
  • The Flipside Pro is the ultimate style for any football fan. A fully reversible half-zip pullover in team colors with an embroidered team logo on both sides, the Flipside Pro is ready for game day and beyond! Available in all NFL teams. Retail price: $148 (available in October).
  • The Blindside Full-Zip jacket is perfect for layering on those cold winter game days. This warm brushed fleece jacket highlights your favorite NFL team’s logo on the chest and shoulder and features contrast piping in team colors. Available for select NFL teams only. Retail price: $188 (available mid-September).wos-banner-nfl-20160721

For the Female Fans – Tommy Bahama has three new styles for women, giving every fan the chance to show their team pride all week long.

  • The Floral Blitz T-Shirt is available for woman, as well; featuring the shadow floral print in a soft scoop neck with a printed team logo. Available for select NFL teams only. Retail price: $88.
  • As the season heats up and the weather cools down, the Windward Crew is the ultimate cozy, contemporary sweatshirt, embellished with an embroidered team logo and graphics that show off your team spirit wherever you go. Available in all NFL teams. Retail price: $148.
  • The Halftime Aruba is a slim, four-button front sweatshirt in Tommy Bahama’s unbeatably soft Aruba cotton knit. This style features a team logo on the chest and a small embroidered marlin on the left sleeve. Available for select NFL teams only. Retail price: $148.

Celebrate Fall Football at Tommy Bahama Restaurants – Tommy Bahama will reward football fans wearing Tommy Bahama NFL apparel in its restaurants with a complimentary “amuse-bouche.” The delicious savory treat is a thank you to fans for showing their loyalty to Tommy Bahama and their favorite team. Select Tommy Bahama restaurants will also feature special football themed cocktails to honor their home teams! Fans in New York can choose from the Jet Fuel or Jint’s Juice, while in Houston it’s the Texan Blitz, in Florida the Miami Mint Flipper and in Arizona the Seeing Red. Southern California gridiron devotees can toast Los Angeles’ new team with the Welcome Back Cooler or the Liquid Blue & Gold. These are only a few of the delicious drinks Tommy Bahama has created for football enthusiasts to celebrate their favorite teams.

Tommy Bahama Shop in the Vikings’ New U.S. Bank Stadium – Tommy Bahama in partnership with MainGate will open a new Tommy Bahama Minnesota Vikings Locker Room official team store at the new U.S. Bank Stadium – home of the Minnesota Vikings! The 1,200 square foot free-standing shop will be located on the Pentair Level. The shop will feature official Tommy Bahama Minnesota Vikings merchandise, as well as a select offering of other official NFL licensed product including Vikings caps, jerseys and select gifts.

The Tommy Bahama collection is available on www.TommyBahama.com and at the finest U.S. retailers, including Nordstrom and other specialty retailers. Additional stores will be opening this year. For more information, please visit www.tommybahama.com

Impact by Jillian Michaels (Performance Activewear) Collection to Launch on Walmart.com

Jillian Michaels is launching Impact by Jillian Michaels, a performance activewear collection for women, on www.Walmart.com this fall. America’s premier health and wellness coach, Michaels is a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur and popular television personality. She is also a passionate advocate, fighting to invoke important changes in all aspects of health and wellness.

IFG Corp Jillian Michaels Impact Line

America’s favorite health and wellness expert and fitness guru, Jillian Michaels, is launching Impact by Jillian Michaels, a performance activewear collection for women, on Walmart.com this fall. (PRNewsFoto/IFG Corp.)

The Impact line by Jillian Michaels is manufacturer IFG’s most exciting recent endeavor and represents the highest level of design and manufacturing of performance activewear. Its target consumer is the fashion-forward fitness enthusiast, as well as the everyday-athleisure woman. IFG Corp., a division of Adjmi Apparel Group, is the exclusive manufacturer for Impact by Jillian Michaels apparel and accessories.

Delivering high fashion at accessible prices– other major performance brands are selling at 2-3 times its price–the Impact line is a fusion of fashion and fitness and reflects Jillian’s passion for inspiring and empowering women while providing Walmart.com customers new choices for quality and affordability in fitness-related categories.

Impact by Jillian Michaels offers apparel (plus apparel and accessories coming soon) for key fitness activities. Items in the collection feature technical attributions integral to activewear, including moisture-wicking and quick-drying properties, flat-lock stitching, reflective details and quality stretch fabrics for enhanced comfort and breathability. The line is infused with fashion and design elements that reflect Jillian’s unique, edgy style.

I wanted people to work out feeling really confident and strong,” said Michaels about her line, “I wanted to create an athletic apparel line that not only performed well, but looked great at the right price. When you’re training, your clothes have to be working with you, not against you. It’s gotta fit, it’s gotta wick, and it needs to move with you.

The collection will be available immediately on www.Walmart.com (at https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=impact%20by%20jillian%20michaels&typeahead=impact by). Prices for apparel range from $9.96 to $17.86.

For more information about Jillian Michaels visit www.jillianmichaels.com.