PS821 is an independent footwear brand founded on the belief that exclusivity should be inclusive and that individuality and authenticity lie at the heart and “sole” of style.
7 Days No Nike is not a shot at the Swoosh. After Nike’s latest quarterly report it’s clear the company has command of the entire sneaker industry. What is also evident is the brand is intent on dominating the news cycle on sneaker sites via the constant stream of releases. 7 Days No Nike is my decision to discuss a few brands that I’ve yet to buy a pair of kicks from, but I really need to because they are both functional and stylish.
Source: PS821
To actually understand what PS821 is beyond their philanthropic description and luxe approach, a bit of digging has to occur. P448 Shoes was the first drop from LLC Streetwear Trends. In 2017 “Wayne Kulkin, former CEO of Stuart Weitzman, provided details of the launch of a new business venture with investment partner Hilco Global, called StreetTrend LLC.” Kulkin led Coach out of the doldrums. To explain why Coach is now back on its feet and what happened is to dive deep into the dangers of otulet/discount philosophy at retail. Coach pulled back their distribution channels a few years ago. The created brand registries which allowed the brand to control their narrative and SRP on the dangerous Amazon and eBay third party marketplaces. The brand then removed the Coach outlet and Coach began its ascent back to luxe.
This discussion takes me away from my question, can PS821 combine Toms’ giving (the company is donating 8.21% to charities) with Versace’s pricepoint to inspire interest? More important can a new luxury brand generate momentum without heritage and against a very solid competitive collection of footwear companies like Greats, Clae, and Filling Pieces who enter the market at a considerably lower price point? Above is the Alpha Black; not to be confused with the Alpha from the brand No.One based in Los Angeles and handcrafting their shoes in LA. Which brings me to the answer that sits squarely in front of the Streetwear Trends group. If No.One is truly making art with their Alpha and with every drop and they are taking the time to explain the process via IG and their site and the quality is inherently greater because the focus is on a truly small run of footwear that is bespoke will PS821 actually make it?
The Preorder for the Bolt is currently up. There doesn’t appear to be any sell through via the P448 site and Versace actually aligned with Two Chainz to release a shoe that seems to be the inspiration for the Bolt in shape and style. The difference? I haven’t seen Versace run a Google Ad to drive engagement. I also didn’t see Versace creating a pre-order which doesn’t feel quite like a luxury play. At this moment a brand like Greats is generating coverage not because of their “charity” initiatives. The brand is being chosen because it has taken a DTC approach to crafting footwear and they’ve made a concentrated effort to be omnichannel in moving from pureplay to brick and mortar locations. The brand has also given considerable amounts to charity without pushing that as a sales tactic. Which is a lot more authentic than riding the coattails of Toms. Clae remains as present as ever with moving collabs like their March LA.B drop.
PS821 feels manufactured to me which makes this 7 Days No Nike a lot different than others. I see imagery and footwear that is far too familiar and considerably overpriced when a company like We Are Underdogs has arrived with comparable product and storytelling. What is interesting is that the limited release concept actually protects Streetwear Trends LLC from overinvesting into a particular concept. They are capable of moving swiftly to the next trend. This gives the company a buffer, but honestly it undercuts the vital component I think is necessary to capture a longterm client, consistency, development, and a story of growth.
No.One Returns With an Elevated ‘Workout’ and a New Website | With Another Countdown
We Are Underdogs | Daniel Gonçalves – The METAMORPH Arriving October 11th
This CLAE x March LA.B Drop Is Modern Retro Classic | Dope S–t I Like