Issue #300 | The Tiger Woods Nike Era Is Officially Over

The Tiger Woods Nike Era Is Officially Over

In 1996, Nike teamed up with a 20-year-old golf rookie named Tiger Woods—maybe you’ve heard of him—in a partnership that would transform the game as we knew it. A year later, barely old enough to order a round for the fellas at the 19th hole, Woods would become the youngest ever to win the Masters, doing so by 12 strokes while wearing a signature red crewneck sweater emblazoned in white with the sneaker giant’s famous swoosh. Now, Wood’s latest $200 million contract with Nike has come to its end, but the duo’s impact on the game lives on in golf’s hallowed halls.

Fast Company

These Jean Are Like an Old Friend

[Partner] The best pals are always there when you need ’em. Things aren’t complicated. You just get each other. That kind of rapport only comes with time, and it usually starts with a somewhat awkward break-in period. But what if you could skip all that nonsense? AYR solved that part with its Normie jean, a classic straight-leg button fly with a lived-in feel that lets you bypass the uncomfortable getting-to-know-ya phase and go straight to quiet, cool understanding. In 13-ounce denim, four washes including the brand new Cowboss blue, and at sub $200, we have a feeling you’re gonna get on famously with the Normie.

Say “hey” to your new favorite jeans.

How to Pose for a Perfect Watch Fit Pic, According to Hollywood Stylists

When that endorsement deal from Rolex comes around, you’ll want to know how to strike the right pose to give your Submariner its close up. With awards season here, guy celebs who’ve partnered with watch brands are having to figure this out, with mixed results. The thing is, acting naturally doesn’t really dovetail with conspicuously angling your wrist for a money shot, but there are ways to achieve nonchalance while striking a pose. Or you can say to hell with all that nonsense and do what Will Ferrell did.

GQ

Chris Echevarria Is Reviving Sperry One Shoe at a Time

The Top-Sider is a stone-cold American classic, like the Bean boot. Often, the more beat up they are, the better. The Sperry brand, however, was looking a little tired until Chris Echevarria gave it a zhuzhing. The founder and creative director of Blackstock & Weber, a Brooklyn label known for its chunky handmade loafers, has been a fan of the brand since he was a kid, he says. Now, he’s unveiled two reimagined silhouettes that feel fresh and familiar, giving both diehards and newcomers a way to step up their shoe game.

Essence

AKILA Vector

This week, the Wall Street Journal proposed a new way for the fellas to get a more chiseled look with their frames. The gist for those hitting the paywall is that they should flare out at the corners, like cat-eye glasses might, to define your jawline and give your facial features a “lift.” Think Wayfarers with a little something extra. The right ones can even feel a little dangerous, like these rather fast-looking shades from Los Angeles brand Akila. As sharp as they are, the handmade bio-acetate frames won’t cut into the budget. $120

Good style shouldn’t be a secret.

You’re clued in and looking tack sharp, thanks to Blazer. But that friend (or two) could stand to take some tips on style. Drop a hint and loop ’em in.