July 5, 2022: Designer Heron Preston has expanded his beta tester sneaker program with Zellerfeld. After releasing Version 0.8 of the beta test shoe in Oct. 2021, the team analyzed tester feedback, and is now releasing the updated Version 0.81 of the HERON01 sneaker with new design, fit, and features. Improved features include an upgraded collar shape for easier foot entry, reduced material usage, softer upper, roomier toe box and optimized arch support. Zellerfeld will now begin adding beta testers on an ongoing basis, giving an increasingly large number of testers access to custom printed footwear. Alongside this expansion, Zellerfeld will also extend the beta program to include sports performance wear testing. Coinciding with this expansion, the 3D printed footwear company has released a new iPhone app for applying to the beta program, scanning your feet, and ordering your test footwear. Test pairs will be available for $350 and include one free update when the next version is released. To earn a free update, customers must provide beta tester feedback, then return their old pair for analysis and recycling.

June 30, 2022: Clarks Originals has launched the winning style of its student design challenge with One School, the free portfolio school for Black creatives developed by The One Club for Creativity. The design challenge asked students to share their perspective on the shoe brand’s most iconic style, the Wallabee, and create a visual celebration of New York City in honor of the city’s role in solidifying its global identity. After receiving design submissions from a group of 60 graduates from One School cohorts in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and Atlanta, the program awarded the top prize to Tola Oseni for her creative concept for the brand’s signature Wallabee shoe. Oseni’s design will be produced and sold worldwide with a contribution from the proceeds going to further her education and career. The style, which retails for $170, is now available on Clarksusa.com and at select wholesale and retail locations.

June 29, 2022: Converse is releasing its first collaboration with Barriers Worldwide next month. Founded in 2015 by Steven Barter, Barriers uses fashion to inspire consumers to understand Black history and the figures from key moments. According to the company, the debut collection details a historical journey which guides the audience via messages and symbols that give voice to those that don’t have one. In the new collection with Converse, the NYC-based brand draws inspiration from The North Star, a 19th-century anti-slavery newspaper. Utilizing a star motif as a cohesive link between the story and the two brands, the new collab reworks the Chuck 70 and Pro Leather footwear styles. The collection also features a range of court ready apparel, including the Converse Court Ready PO hoodie, crossover tee and cutter shorts. The full collection, which retails between $55 and $120, will be available beginning July 21 online at Barriers Worldwide and Converse.com as well as select global retailers.

June 28, 2022: Coach has introduced a new collaboration with American pop artist Tom Wesselmann. The collection features the artist’s colorful graphic motifs—including lips, flowers and still lifes with oversized objects—embellished onto Coach’s signature leather. The collaboration includes bags, footwear, small leather goods and ready-to-wear styles. To mark the launch, Coach has debuted a new global campaign starring Hari Nef, Kai-Isaiah Jamal and Manami Kinoshita, photographed by Juergen Teller. The campaign film introduces an original poem, written and read by Jamal, inspired by Wesselmann’s work. The campaign is also brought to life with a digital experience where users can explore and learn about the collection, social filters where they can play with Wesselmann’s motifs, and a series of “EduToks” on TikTok discussing Wesselmann’s life and work. The Coach x Tom Wesselmann collection will be available to shop at pop-ups and store takeovers globally.

June 24, 2022: Fila and rap star Lil Jon have delivered a limited-edition collection that includes both apparel and footwear. The range is available now via Fila.com. It features a classic T-shirt in both black and white with a colorful graphic print (created by Atlanta-based illustrator Freako Rico), as well as a new-look Renno sneaker executed in pink, red and white with metallic silver hits. The T-shirts retail for $35 and the sneakers come with a $118 price tag.

June 24, 2022: Social Status, one of the banners owned by retail mogul James Whitner, has teamed up with Champion for a collection that is available now online via Socialstatuspgh.com and in-store. The 20-piece range, according to Social Status, “represents a deep burning passion to become a better you” and represents “being active through fitness, molding and creating the best you possible, through hard work and dedication.” Prices range from $35 for T-shirts to $95 for multiple collaborative Reverse Weave Pullover Hoodies.

June 16, 2022: Hugo Boss’ Hugo label has teamed up with Mr. Bathing Ape on a new capsule collection. As the British tailoring inspired, formalwear arm of A Bathing Ape, Mr. Bathing Ape infused its signature camo pattern with Hugo’s red twist into a collection of made for the street. Streetwear enthusiasts can delight in this wide-ranging capsule comprised of classic styles such as hoodies, sweatpants, jackets, shorts, and logo T-shirts. Original accessories including a skateboard, caps, socks and bodywear basics are also available, all stamped with signature branding. A collaborative sneaker based on A Bathing Ape’s Sta model is also included. Not only is this collaboration a first for Hugo, but it was also first unveiled at metaverse event, ComplexLand in May. The official limited-edition collection is now available at select Boss and Saks Fifth Avenue stores as the exclusive retail partner for the collaboration.

June 14, 2022: A-Cold-Wall has teamed up with Converse for a limited-edition take on a new silhouette for the brand, the Sponge Crater, a mule made of a few components. The look is the brand’s first full-body structure made using comfort-focused Crater foam, as well as flat-knit uppers for breathability. Also, it features spandex collars, pull tabs and exaggerated heel kicks for ease of entry. For added comfort and traction, Converse added CX foam underfoot with an egg-crate style traction pod outsole. For this particular look, Samuel Ross of A-Cold-Wall applied his atypical contemporary aesthetic. The Converse x A-Cold-Wall* Sponge Crater arrives via Converse.com, A-Cold-Wall.com and select retailers on June 23. 

June 14, 2022: Reebok and the all-female creative collective Madwomen have teamed up for their second collaboration, this time giving the Classic Leather a new look. The collaborative Classic Leather, which will retail for $100, arrives June 24 via Reebok.com/madwomen. It will come in two colorways, “Thirsty Blue” and “Purple Oasis,” and feature ombre prints and reflective logos.