Lifestyle

New Converse Chuck Taylor All Star Renew Crater uses recycled materials

Launches in Malaysia and Singapore

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Converse is debuting a brand-new Chuck Taylor All Star Renew Crater collection. What’s different? It uses over 40% recycled material by weight in its construction. Announced earlier in July, it’s finally going on sale here in Asia, starting with Malaysia and Singapore.

Inspired by Nike’s Space Hippie series of sneakers, this new iteration slightly updates the silhouette while retaining most of its heritage. It’s a move that apparently required feedback and work from over a hundred Converse employees.

The Converse All Star Crater sticks with the same classic high-top cut as the OG Chuck Taylor 70s. It also has similar pinstripes, collar badge and even the top cap. But the major change is the use of entirely different, sustainable recycled materials.

Sustainable kicks

Nike’s Move to Zero initiative made big headlines this year with the launch of the Space Hippie collection by the Swoosh. They then brought the same initiative to Jordan brand for the Jordan Crater and the Air Jordan 1 High Zoom Crater. These all boasted a similar use of recycled materials.

The midsole is made entirely out of Nike’s Crater foam — it’s made from 12% recycled rubber. That recycled rubber comes from Nike Grind, which is made from recycled surplus manufacturing materials.

Meanwhile the upper is made out of a new material called Morphlon. It combines recycled polyester with industrial textile waste scraps to create a material that feels like classic canvas. Along with this, there’s new stitching details on the heel, midfoot, and on the pull tab on the collar.

Converse’s popular Renew line has always been a personal favorite of mine in the way they used recycled materials. It gets a nice little jumpstart thanks to parent company Nike’s aforementioned Move to Zero initiative and the use of the new crater foam.

The fact that they managed to construct these Chuck Taylors out of 40% recycled material by weight is just awesome. It’s also much needed in the times we live in.

Pricing and availability

The Converse Chuck Taylor All-Star Renew Crater will be available in Malaysia and Singapore on October 1. Pricing and where you can cop them are as follows:

Malaysia — MYR 299.90

KLCC, Mid Valley Megamall, Pavilion, Sunway Pyramid, 1 Utama, Mid Valley Southkey, Gurney Plaza and Lazada Malaysia

Singapore — SG$ 129.90

All retail doors, Dover Street Market, Lazada Singapore.

Entertainment

Transformers One trailer: Get to know Optimus Prime, Megatron’s origin stories

In cinemas September 18

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Transformers One

Paramount Pictures has released the trailer for Transformers One, the upcoming latest installment of the Transformers film franchise.

Before fans get excited for the Transformers and G.I. Joe crossover, this animated film focuses first on Optimus Prime’s relationship with his adversary, Megatron.

The origin story is set in Cybertron, long before the transformers land on earth in the chronological timeline.

The trailer reveals Optimus Prime’s previous name, Orion Pax. On the other hand, Megatron was previously known by D-16.

Joined by Elita-1 and Bumblebee, the two main protagonists journey to Cybertron’s surface, which hasn’t been explored beforehand due to the dangers it is said to have.

On the surface, the crew realizes that right away, but are bestowed the power to transform. After some figuring, they manage to utilize this ability to defend Cybertron from intruders.

Overall, the three-minute trailer gives a lighter and funnier vibe. That’s in contrast to the previous iterations where the story is more serious from the get-go.

The transformers’ appearance also looks simpler and more toned down, giving an old school feel which is appropriate, considering this movie is set an earlier time when Cybertron was more intact.

Transformers One is showing on Philippine cinemas on September 18. The voice cast includes Chris Hemsworth as Optimus Prime, Brian Tyree Henry as Megatron, Keegan-Michael Key as Bumblebee, and Scarlett Johansson.

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Lifestyle

IKEA launches a new gaming collection that looks great everywhere

Launching in September

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Gaming furniture remains one of the gaudier things you can own. While the market has mercifully moved away from unnecessary frills and an obsession with RGB lighting, everyone can still see the vestiges of a gaming lifestyle. If you’re looking for something subtler, your options are sparse. IKEA is thankfully adding a splash of color for your gaming rig.

If you wanted neutral furniture that looks good in any home, IKEA is the place to go. It’s still hard to imagine that the Swedish furniture maker can do something about the gaming market, but then again, this isn’t their first rodeo. Building on its previous partnership with Republic of Gamers, the brand is back with a new line of furniture for gamers tired of sticking out like a sore thumb.

The new BRÄNNBOLL collection includes pieces of furniture that goes well anywhere. It includes a comfortable inflatable chair, a versatile gaming station, a subtle castor on wheels, and convertible chairs. You’ll also get a complementary set of throws, rugs, and mousepad for your new setup.

The collection will launch in September 2024.

Today’s gaming furniture market is still obsessed with dark brooding colors and a tiny-but-stark neon accent. You know the look. Thankfully, other brands, IKEA included, are coming up with new collections to add personality to the market.

Sure, there’s nothing wrong with showing off your personality. But it’s also cool to look good while doing it.

SEE ALSO: IKEA, ASUS ROG launching affordable gaming furniture, accessories

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Gaming

New PUMA collection lets you wear PlayStation’s iconic symbols

PUMA x PlayStation collaboration

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Puma PlayStation

PUMA and Sony Interactive Entertainment have joined forces to deliver what should be a hit collaboration for gamers and sneakerheads alike. The PUMA x PlayStation collection will be available starting April 18, allowing fans to wear the iconic PlayStation elements through PUMA’s famous Suede and RS-X sneakers.

As reported by Sole Retriever, both PUMA shoe models come in PlayStation’s signature colors: blue, grey, white, and black. The Suedes will be available in black and grey, although the latter looks more like it’s dirty white. Stamped down throughout the upper body are the PlayStation’s triangle, circle, X, and square symbols. The sole sports mostly a blue color, which transitions smoothly either to black or white with a dynamic gradient effect. Speaking of, you will see even larger versions of the elements underneath the shoe.

For those who love bulkier and high-cut shoes, the RS-X also adopts dominant black and dirty white colorways. The four symbols  are distinctively visible on both the toe cap and tongue. Various parts of the shoes are colored differently, making up for a unique blend. Special hangtags featuring the symbols also accompany each pair.

Puma PlayStation

There are just a lot of details on both shoes to adore. Especially if you have some personal connection with either the footwear and apparel brand or PlayStation itself. Per Sneaker Files, the Suede will retail for US$ 100 while the RS-X at US$ 120. The collection will be available from PUMA.com, PUMA flagship stores, and selected retailers.

Aside from the shoes, there are also various apparel choices like hoodies, tops, caps, and shorts, all emblazoned with the symbols. These go perfectly along with the shoes, with their white and light blue colorways. For now, it looks like the collection will only be available in North America. But who knows, may it’s just a matter of time before Southeast Asia and other regions get theirs, too.

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