She Don't Believe in Shootin Stars, But She believes In Shoes & Cars

I always wondered if my sneaker obsession was birthed from my love of bight colors and abstract combinations, or a response to an unspoken jealousy for women's options with accessories. Now that I have some room to reflect, I think it was just our culture had me stuck with jumps, dunks and day glo laces, because that's all my friends knew as options.

When I became interested in couture, men's fashion was so lethargic that sneakers provided some other option. While I was at some of the "hipper" scene bars in Chicago, namely the Empty Bottle, I saw lots of people step away from just sneakers to include felt hats, "skinny" suits, interesting vest combinations, and ties galore, either with loafers or sneakers- my mind was blown, and now I need to go shopping.

In addition to this, it brought up some interesting ideas on the progression, reference, and cyclical nature of trends and their over all affect on street culture as a whole. But that's for another time.

Zomething Different

As near as I can tell, Zima Citrus is Zima. Zima was introduced first in 1992 and nationally in 1994 as a true alternative alcoholic beverage. The uncola, if you will, in a market ruled by beer and wine coolers. The brand was reintroduced in 2004 as Zima XXX. It came in 4 flavors: Cherry, Lemon-Lime, Orange and Punch.

After a slump in sales in 2005, following an increase the previous year, Zima was further retooled. The reintroduction of Zima late last year sought market and customer based research. The following changes were made:

• Three new flavors - Citrus, Pinapple Citrus, and Tangerine
• Lower calorie content
• Lower alcohol content (Original Zima had a 5.9 % alcohol content. Now it has 5%)

There is no longer original Zima, but the 90s are the new 80s and Coors can't seem to stop reintroducing it so maybe they will bring it back soon enough.

(GIRLS) NYLON AND GUYS NYLON

With the recent name change from NYLON GUYS to GUYS NYLON, the men's fashion magazine now has a more distinct branding. I often wonder about the inferiority complex that must come with men's fashion magazines that are not unique entities but just versions of those targeted at women. I guess it should only be a problem if the inferior quality is in content as opposed to just name alone.

While the GUYS NYLON website leaves a lot to be desired, The men's magazine market has yet to produce a high water mark for others to aspire. I do appreciate GUYS NYLON MAG's interest in splitting from the pack. While GQ and Esquire keep close to the old school, GUYS NYLON has a focus on sneakers and T-shirts. Call it an overinterest in casual concerns, call it playin' dress down, whatever, guys like kicks and tees. That's not sexist or essentialist, just an observation of the difference in socialization of men and women.

Hyper Color

As L.A. Times writer Erin Weinger declared earlier this month, Hypercolor is hot again. This appears to be the case, just like the colors that appear when the garment-wearer's temperature rises. A recent Google search shows over 8,000 matches for people talking about American Apparel's Hypercolor inspired Thermochromatic Sheer Jersey T-Shirt.

But there is more to this reappearance. The Hypercolor fad was a piece of clothing that was both popular and personal; its special effects allowed it not only to appear different on everyone, but appear different every time worn. American Apparel's reintroduction seeks to capture 90s nostalgia in ways that keep with their style of simple unbranded clothes. At the same time they are slowly moving away from embracing the previous generations retro styles turning them into classic.

If soon American Apparel separates itself from Urban Outfitters by selling it's customers their own youth back to them instead of the youth of their parents, then so be it.

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