#17talks

Have Celebrities Ruined Halloween Forever?

Halloweekend has come to an end, and we can finally breathe again. We saw our fair share of great costumes (and just as many terrible ones), and it seems like most people were able to stay clear of offensive costumes which is a real win for everyone. Since the rise of social media, Halloween isn't just about dressing up in a costume – it is about creating viral gold. For us regular folks, that means getting a couple hundred likes and comments on our IG post, but for celebrities, it means hours of preparation in order to go viral. For the rich and famous, picking a costume is easy because no matter what they choose, it will get custom-made, with professional hair and makeup being done to perfection. This year, we saw Hailey Bieber channel Britney Spears x 4, and although the costumes were spot on and she looked stunning, we can't help but wonder why anyone would need four costumes? Where are they even going? The answer is nowhere. At least not in those Instagram-friendly get-ups. The perfectly executed costumes with pre-made backdrops are done just for social media. Ariana Grande literally did a whole the Creature from the Black Lagoon movie poster wearing prosthetics, and a photoshoot starring her husband, just for the gram. To be honest, those are the looks I really want to see at the big Hollywood parties, not just in our feeds. I want to see how those gills are holding up during a night out. Kourtney Kardashian and Travis Barker also took things to the next level, initially doing a Sid and Nancy costume, and then revealing a full True Romance getup that included a recreation of the movie poster, outdoor shots, and white backdrop. All in a day's work, I guess. Doja Cat showed up as Cynthia from Rugratz, and the wig was actually made from hair. Not your average Pinterest cardboard DIY, but a proper wig. Of course, the costumes are good. Great, even. But does it count when you've got a whole team of professionals creating the look for you? Halloween has always been a great occasion for DIY costumes, lazy last-minute looks, sheet ghosts, and tacky fits. In a world where celebs are dressed to perfection, how are we meant to compete? The easy Spirit Halloween costumes just won't cut it anymore. Perhaps saying that celebrities have ruined Halloween is a bit of a stretch, but they have certainly taken it to a whole new level where all competition has been eliminated. I mean, come on, how are we meant to get a full face of prosthetics on a budget? An exact replica of a costume? Get Jen Atkin to do our hair? It is impossible. We will never look as good – and that's the point. Social media's impact on the holiday can be seen all over the world, and for a generation as obsessed with Instagram and TikTok as ours, our expectations are only getting higher. Perhaps seeing Kendall Jenner as a sheet ghost or The Weeknd in a skeleton morph suit just isn't that exciting? Perhaps we need those polished and perfect costumes. I was going to dress up as Britney Spears, and after seeing Hailey Bieber do it, I immediately changed my costume. She killed it, and mine would not even have been nearly as good, so I quickly admitted defeat and ended up going as a Teletubby instead. I'll leave the real costumes to the professionals. Regardless of whether you love the Instagram-ready outfits or hate them, they won't be going anywhere anytime soon – they'll only get better from here.

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Have Celebrities Ruined Halloween Forever?

Take an Inside Look at Fucking Awesome's New York Flagship

After opening its first flagship on Los Angeles’ iconic Hollywood Boulevard, Fucking Awesome has now headed to the East Coast for its latest retail expression. This time around, the Los Angeles-based imprint founded by skate icons Jason Dill and Anthony Van Engelen has set up shop in the East Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York. The location designed by JORDANA MAISIE DESIGN STUDIO carries core elements of FA displayed through evocative and off-kilter graphics featured throughout the store. Jason Dill’s signature collage works are accented by white painted wood furnishings transparent deck holders and angled racks with choice reflective mirrors riddled throughout. Guests are also greeted by a window display that will be refreshed to help create a defined space centered around the imagery and energy behind FA. Take an inside look at Fucking Awesome’s New York flagship above. Fucking Awesome NY 420 E. 9th Street, New York, NY, United States Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sunday – 12 p.m.-6 p.m.      

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Take an Inside Look at Fucking Awesome's New York Flagship

Conor McGregor Shares Footage of First Time Back on Boxing Pads Since Breaking His Leg

Conor McGregor has just given a big update on the status of his health and his return to MMA training. Having mostly been weight training since breaking his leg back in July, McGregor uploaded a four-minute clip showing his first time working the pads since UFC 264. With an increase in muscle, McGregor can be seen landing heavy shots on the punch shield and shadow boxing. His caption also revealed, “2 more months I am able to kick, grapple and run again” and further details regarding his upcoming four-part series on Netflix, which is expected to release early 2022. He ends his Instagram post with, “Strap yourselves in for the greatest comeback in sports history!”          

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Conor McGregor Shares Footage of First Time Back on Boxing Pads Since Breaking His Leg

Virgil Abloh Talks Inspirations Behind the Second Louis Vuitton x NIGO Collaboration

Louis Vuitton (PARIS:MC.PA +0.61%) ‘s Pre-Spring 2022 collection sees designers Virgil Abloh and NIGO join forces once again, to bring a different design perspective to the French luxury house. For Chapter 2 of the collaborative Louis Vuitton collection that brings together NIGO’s diverse influences that combine his Japanese roots and personal affection for British ’50s and ’60s tailoring and Abloh’s causal streetwear background, Abloh discusses the exploration process between both designers. Abloh pinpoints how NIGO has included the cross between Japanese heritage and British Savile Row in the new collection, sharing that it was “an honor to create” this capsule. Abloh praises NIGO stating, “For me, there is no one like NIGO. He helped us understand how luxury can relate to a new generation.” Abloh clarifies that the sophomore collection of this collaboration builds on the previous chapter’s motif by turning up “the fidelity.” Abloh hopes that the second part of this collection helps the world to understand “NIGO’s sensibility when it comes to the iconography.” He continues to call this the beginning of a “new generation of menswear, the new generation of design.” Check out the full video above.

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Virgil Abloh Talks Inspirations Behind the Second Louis Vuitton x NIGO Collaboration

Ferrari's F8 Spider Gets the NOVITEC N-LARGO Treatment

NOVITEC‘s N-LARGO program takes already wildly impressive automotives and enhances them to entirely new heights — and that’s exactly what’s been performed with the brand’s take on the Ferrari F8 Spider. Following on from its “standard” customization of the F8 Spider and an N-LARGO iteration of the hardtop F8 Tributo, NOVITEC N-LARGO presents just 15 hand-finished builds of the F8 Spider, including this particularly fetching one in purple. Naturally, the supercar features an extensive amount of customized parts inside and out. Starting with the twin-turbo V8 engine, NOVITEC has bumped it to produce 818 HP and 903 Nm of torque, resulting in a 0-62 MPH time of just 2.6 seconds and a top speed of over 211 MPH. N-LARGO carbon fiber bodywork extends the width of the car to 211cm at the rear, making for a car that demands even more attention and serves plenty of presence on the road. 21” and 22” staggered rims made in collaboration with Vossen hit up the front and rear wheels respectively, and are available in 72 different color combinations with a choice of brushed or polished surface finishes. However, all of these additions aren’t just for show. The N-LARGO kit is highly aerodynamic, with the front fascia working in conjunction with the side flaps to reduce front-end lift at high speeds. Likewise, the rear hips and diffuser combine to hunker the car down, working in tandem with a ducktail spoiler that generates more downforce than standard to help the car cope with its newfound power enhancements. As per the NOVITEC recipe, an INCONEL exhaust system can be fitted with optional 999 fine gold plating, making for a V8 engine that sounds truly exceptional at the car’s peak rev range of 7,960 rpm. Take a look at the NOVITEC N-LARGO Ferrari F8 Spider above, and find out more about the limited-to-15 supercar on NOVITEC’s website.

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Ferrari's F8 Spider Gets the NOVITEC N-LARGO Treatment

Fendi + Skims = True

The rumor mill has been churning, and it seems as if serial collaborator Kim Jones is back at it again with another partnership, this time with Kim Kardashian's SKIMS. The collab has now been confirmed by Kardashian herself. Pictures of the potential collaboration between Fendi and the shapewear line surfaced earlier this month, and it seems that Kris Jenner didn't act fast enough because images quickly spread across the internet, leaving fans excited to see whether the partnership will actually come to fruition. The images leaked on Instagram captured a handful of pieces including crop-tops and tight skirts, as well as a long sleeve and short-sleeved version of a dress – all emblazoned with a Fendi logo print. Arriving in a cream color as well as a bright red, the pieces seem to be made of a thicker, scuba-like material, as the graphics seem to be embossed in the fabric. View this post on Instagram   The collaboration isn't entirely surprising, as Kim Jones is constantly looking for new avenues to explore, and new partnerships to bring to life. Most recently, the designer teamed up with Donatella Versace for the logo-heavy, fever-inducing Fendace line, and has previously worked with a list of people that is too long to type out here. Kim and Kim (Kim²?) have also been good friends for a long time, and Kardashian has frequently supported Jones at his Dior shows both front-row as well as on Instagram. Following the rumors, Kim Kardashian took to IG to reveal the partnership, confirming the speculations with a campaign starring herself in the upcoming shapewear. The limited-edition collection is Skims' first-ever luxury collaboration and marks a massive step for Kardashian. Set to launch on November 9, the pieces will be available on the new website www.fendiskims.com.

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Fendi + Skims = True

Burberry Unveils Its Experimental FW21 Outerwear Campaign

Fresh from showcasing its full “Open Spaces” campaign, Burberry celebrates its Fall/Winter 2021 outerwear with stills captured by photographer Danko Steiner. Amidst the surroundings of the English countryside, Riccardo Tisci signals a new chapter for Burberry and its use of fabrics as lightweight gabardine — a woven compact twill — makes its debut, featuring across quilts and puffer jackets. The brand’s signature trench coat has been updated in a tumbled tropical iteration, as shearling collar cotton puffer gilets arrive in either black or “Honey”. Quilted styles offer more trans-seasonal layering options with check detailing and contrasting trims invigorating traditional looks, while an oversized padded parka and hooded puffer — equipped with a check woollen cashmere lining at the collar — round out some of the menswear highlights. Take a look at the Danko Steiner-shot campaign above and shop the full FW21 campaign now via Burberry’s website.    

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Burberry Unveils Its Experimental FW21 Outerwear Campaign

RHUDE and Instant Brands Link Up for Design-Oriented Kitchenware Capsule

Kitchen appliance company Instant Brands has partnered with ready-to-wear label RHUDE on a limited-edition collection of kitchenware. The new line reimagines classic appliances and tools with a fresh design-oriented approach. Titled LATE SUMMER, the collection was named by RHUDE founder Rhuigi Villaseñor in honor of his mother, who taught him how to cook. At the intersection of fashion and cooking, the unexpected collaboration blends the two crafts, yielding an exciting selection of one-of-a-kind kitchen products, including an electric pressure cooker, dinnerware set, chef knife, glass food storage and cups. “I feel privileged that my designs and the beauty I am able to bring to the iconic portfolio of Instant Brands can be part of ‘together moments’ when people use these products to cook and enjoy food with loved ones,” Villaseñor said. The capsule features RHUDE’s signature yellow color throughout, marking the first time the Pyrex collection has altered colors from its classic red. The collection will launch on Monday, November 1 at 9 a.m. PST. It will be available for purchase on the websites of both Instant Brands and RHUDE.

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RHUDE and Instant Brands Link Up for Design-Oriented Kitchenware Capsule

Jacquemus Is Venturing Into Beauty

Simon Porte Jacquemus is a lover of all things beautiful, and for his latest venture, he's venturing into the world of beauty with his eponymous label. Although the designer himself has not yet commented on the potential launch, WWD has reported that the upcoming venture will be in partnership with Spanish beauty giant Puig, who also own the beauty extensions of Jean Paul Gaultier, Dries Van Noten, Paco Rabanne, as well as a licensing from COMME des GARÇONS Parfums. The fashion and fragrance business will set Jacquemus up nicely for his first launch, which is set to be released in 2022. There's yet no information as to the first product that will drop, but we're without a doubt expecting a fragrance inspired by the French Riviera. As a fan of flowers, nature, and everything that makes it seem like you're on a constant vacation, a scent just makes sense. Perhaps the bottle will even be shaped into the iconic mini Le Chiquito bag? In terms of other products we're expecting to see, Jacquemus' fresh-faced aesthetic leads us to think that he'll continue to push the "less is more" look with natural products that focus on quality. With little to no information available, a lot is left to the imagination, but we're excited to see what Simon Porte Jacquemus has up his sleeve. With books, jewelry, a flower pop-up store in Paris, as well as an unconfirmed Nike collaboration under his belt, it is undoubtedly going to be good. The designer joins a wave of celebrities venturing into beauty and skincare, including recent launches by Doja Cat, Naomi Osaka, Ariana Grande, and Halsey, as well as the big players such as Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian, and Selena Gomez. Even Ellen Degeneres is releasing her own brand, so if there's a time to tackle beauty, it is now.

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Jacquemus Is Venturing Into Beauty

New Balance Just Can't Get Enough of Casablanca

Brand: Casablanca x New Balance Model: XC-72 Release Date: October 30 Price: $150 Buy: Online at BSTN Editor's Notes: New Balance clearly isn't afraid to go heavy on collaborations throughout the annual release calendar, led in large by the ever-iconic 990x series that boasts one of the most impressive lineups of partners which includes WTAPS, Levi's, and Joe Freshgoods, to name a few. One relationship that has been blossoming since 2020 is the one shared with Casablanca. When the pair first came together for Spring/Summer 2020, it took on the New Balance 327, and the first two orange and green colorways proved to be an instant success. The silhouette provided something outside the status quo, living within the normcore NB family tree but feeling more like a distant cousin thanks to its less rigid design. Additional colorways followed before signaling the arrival of the archive-inspired XC-72. Although the XC-72 is yet to garner the same level of adoration that the 327 did, it's still proving to be the perfect canvas for Casablanca to rework. While previous colorways have fallen in line with the resort-inspired, bold and bright backdrops that are so familiar to Charaf Tajer's Casablanca, the latest look opts for a stripped-back, less-is-more aesthetic. This build has a distinctly more luxury look than previous models, thanks to its high-quality perforated leather bases and pig suede overlays, both of which feature an off-white coloring. The stark palette extends across the full length of the shoe, save for green and gold embroidery on the sponge tongue, offering a subtle touch of vintage. Even without the colorfulness of previous pairs, these are an easy win. ​​To stay updated on everything happening in the sneaker world, check out the best sneakers to add to your rotation this week, follow @highsnobietysneakers on Instagram, and sign up to our newsletter for early access to the best drops sent straight to your inbox.

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New Balance Just Can't Get Enough of Casablanca

The Upcoming Apple iPhone SE Is Expected to Arrive in Spring 2022

Looking ahead at the next generation of iPhone SE, the third rendition of Apple‘s budget phone is expected to release in early 2022. According to reports, rumors suggested that the iPhone SE 3 will be dropped closer to the Spring season. Unlike its predecessor that borrows the design of the iPhone 8, the new SE iteration will adopt the exterior design of the iPhone XR from 2018, equipped with a 6.1-inch display, front notch design, 5G connectivity, and the A15 chip. The touch ID button is replaced with a side fingerprint scanner, while there will also be Face ID recognition. Rumors suggest that the iPhone SE 3 will be priced slightly above the $400 USD price point — similar to the second generation.

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The Upcoming Apple iPhone SE Is Expected to Arrive in Spring 2022

Porsche Celebrates 'Back to the Future' Day by Showing off Its Taycan's 1.21 GW Charging Capacity

In the original Back To The Future, the DeLorean required 1.21 gigawatts of power to be able to time travel. To put it in layman terms, it requires 1.21 billion wats of power which is enough to illuminate over 100 million LED bulbs or approximately six Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Now, thanks to modern technology, the 1.21 gigawatts of combined electricity has now been made available through the European Ionity and Electrify America charging networks. While drivers will not be time travelling with this charge, the new benchmark now allows the two electrical giants have now claimed the largest DC fast-charging network in the U.S. and Europe. With this news, Porsche paired off their hot-selling Taycan Turbo S EV took advantage of the network. The Taycan was paired next to the DeLorean to showcase the 800-volt battery architecture and 270 kw charging speed. In just 22 minutes, the battery can recover to 80%. To celebrate this, Porsche reveals a Back To The Future-themed video to highlight its electric-powered car. Take a look below.

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Porsche Celebrates 'Back to the Future' Day by Showing off Its Taycan's 1.21 GW Charging Capacity