Latest news with #Smiley
Fashion United
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
G2 and Smiley tap into Gen Z's gaming-fashion nexus with collab
In an era where digital identity holds as much sway as physical presence, esports giant G2 Esports and the iconic pop symbol Smiley have joined forces to launch a limited-edition capsule collection targeting a generation where gaming and fashion increasingly overlap. The collaboration marks a first for Smiley, both in the esports space and in fully designing a gaming-led streetwear line. This could inspire a shift in how traditional lifestyle brands are reaching digitally native audiences. Launching exclusively online on July 17th, the G2 x Smiley collection offers a mashup of aesthetic codes: oversized graphics, summer-ready silhouettes, and a logo that fuses G2's signature samurai mask with Smiley's unmistakable yellow grin. The effect is something between irreverent optimism and digital warrior chic and will appeal to those fluent in meme culture and marathon Twitch streams. 'G2 is about pushing limits — in competition and creativity,' says Sabrina Ratih, COO of G2 Esports. 'We created something that's fun, daring, and unapologetically us.' Indeed, the launch is more than a fashion statement, t's a strategic branding play at the intersection of two cultural forces: esports and streetwear. G2, founded in 2015 and now with over 40 million global fans, is leveraging its momentum, including a seven-figure Series B raise and a growing media arm, to deepen its foothold in lifestyle. This collaboration follows a rising industry trend: fashion labels infiltrating gaming environments, not just through digital skins or sponsorships, but through tangible products worn IRL and URL. The capsule includes t-shirts, hoodies, and a limited-edition tufted rug, with an autumn/winter drop planned via pop-up retail later this year, complete with accessories, jeans, and more layering pieces. Love affair with gaming goes physical The fashion world's flirtation with gaming is fast becoming a full-blown relationship. According to Accenture, the global gaming industry is now worth over 320 billion dollars, surpassing film and music combined. For Gen Z, over 60 percent report engaging with fashion through digital channels like gaming and social media, with virtual self-expression increasingly mirroring (and influencing) physical wardrobe choices. From Balenciaga's Fortnite skins to Gucci's Roblox experiences, the convergence is undeniable. Yet few brands have married the offline with the online as natively as G2, which has evolved from competitive esports organization into a media-savvy lifestyle brand with credible fashion collaborations, including previous projects with Ralph Lauren and Adidas. 'Being playful is powerful,' says Ross Wilson, Chief Product Officer, Fashion at The Smiley Company. 'And G2 embodies that energy. They bring joy and fearlessness to their global community.' A new cultural lexicon for a new generation What makes the G2 x Smiley drop notable is its tone: optimistic, irreverent, and proudly self-aware. At a time when luxury houses struggle to capture the authenticity craved by Gen Z, G2's approach is refreshingly unfiltered. The brand wears its meme-savvy, post-ironic ethos on its sleeve, quite literally. This isn't G2's first foray into lifestyle, but it may be its most symbolically significant. As the organization marks its 10th anniversary in 2025, the Smiley collaboration serves as a bridge between fandom and fashion, gaming and IRL streetwear, and a glimpse into the future of cross-cultural brand expression.
Boston Globe
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
Providence asks judge to block police sergeant who beat handcuffed man from returning to active duty
The Get Rhode Island News Alerts Sign up to get breaking news and interesting stories from Rhode Island in your inbox each weekday. Enter Email Sign Up 'Quite simply, Sergeant Hanley's shocking betrayal of the public trust revealed that he is not worthy of the title or fit for the position of 'law enforcement officer,'' the Advertisement April 2020 body camera video, Sgt. Joseph Hanley is seen kicking and verbally berating Rishod Gore, a man whom he was arresting on Tell Street in Providence. Hanley's case was one of several that prompted state lawmakers to Advertisement The changes, which took effect Jan. 1, included a new makeup of the panel, no longer allowing the accused officer to choose any of the panelists. But Hanley's case was heard under the old system. The panel that reinstated Hanley included retired Providence Sergeant Robert Boehm, Hanley's pick; Providence Commander Timothy O'Hara, the city's pick; and Cranston Major Todd Patalano, the neutral pick. Patalano, who was the chair, and Boehm voted to reinstate Hanley to the police force after a 45-day suspension, while O'Hara wanted to fire him. 'We think the LEOBOR panel got it wrong, we don't think Sergeant Hanley should be returned to the job, and we're going to vigorously pursue our appeal,' Smiley told the Globe on Wednesday. The four-page appeal does not get into the specifics of the city's arguments. But Ragosta has said he plans to argue that certain evidence should not have been included in the administrative LEOBOR hearing, including testimony from Hanley that he had been offered a 45-day suspension from then-Commander Tom Verdi in 2020, before the city formally sought to fire him. Hanley's lawyer said the political environment surrounding the murder of George Floyd by police in Minnesota, which happened days after Hanley was arrested for assault, prompted city leaders to seek Hanley's termination. Verdi declined to comment on whether he had offered a suspension. He did not testify before the LEOBOR panel. 'We believe that there were a couple pieces of testimony or evidence taken into consideration in the LEOBOR hearing that should have been inadmissible or irrelevant, and we think that might have tainted the outcome of the panel,' Smiley said. Advertisement Asked if he was willing to negotiate an exit deal with Hanley, Smiley said there were not any negotiations currently underway. He noted that judges often instruct parties to try and come to an agreement. 'That's always an option, if the judge were to make us to do it.' Other cities have paid embattled officers to leave their police departments. The city of Pawtucket Dolan, who had admitted to shooting the teen but said it was in self-defense, was Dolan had the same lawyer as Hanley, Michael Colucci. Colucci praised the LEOBOR panel that A judge convicted Hanley of assault in 2021, but a City leaders say they are under no obligation to provide back pay to Hanley, which would total about $465,000 over the five years he's been suspended. Colucci has said he disagrees with that assessment, but he has not yet filed a court challenge seeking the back pay. Advertisement State Representative Related : 'I'm grateful to Mayor Smiley for appealing a decision which was the failed last gasp of the LEOBOR process, where the one person on the panel who had to deal with the consequences of the ruling was outnumbered by two people who don't have to serve with the violent officer they put back on the street,' Hull said in a statement. 'Let's try to get this right.' Steph Machado can be reached at
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Drake Declares ‘F-ck Hollywood and the Hamptons' on Smiley's ‘2 Mazza'
Drake appears on OVO Sound signee Smiley's new song '2 Mazza.' The two Canadian artists' track comes in the middle of Drake's foe Kendrick Lamar taking over Toronto's Rogers Centre this week on his Grand National Tour with SZA. '2 Mazza' is heavy on the Toronto slang and locale shoutouts, with the song's title even pulling from a popular phrase that means 'too crazy.' In the first verse, Drake recalls his humble beginnings, growing up with little money with his mom Sandra: 'I remember pushin' DT with the mandem, whipping two Mazdas (Double M)/Grocery shoppin' at Royal York Plaza/Me and lil' Sandra was broke on the Gaza.' As the song goes on, Drake declares 'fuck Hollywood and the Hamptons,' preferring Ontario instead. More from Rolling Stone Drake, Smiley, Kim Gordon, Feid and All the Songs You Need to Know This Week Kendrick Lamar Performed 'Not Like Us' in Drake's Hometown for First Time Kendrick Lamar's 'GNX' Wins Album of The Year at The 2025 BET Awards In the video, Drake and Smiley are seen enjoying the finer things in life. They're wearing plush robes, sitting in an infrared booth and rapping beneath an oversized chandelier. Even if Drake declares himself to still be 'the 6ix God' on the song, his city seemed to be siding with Lamar at the Compton rapper's Thursday show in Toronto. It was Lamar's first time performing his chart-topping, Grammy-winning Drake diss 'Not Like Us' in Drake's hometown, and the reception was massive. The audience gave the song a two-minute ovation before begging him to perform it one more time, though he did not oblige. '2 Mazza' appears on Smiley's new album Don't Box Me In, out now. He and Drake previously had a hit together in 2021 with 'Over the Top.' Best of Rolling Stone Sly and the Family Stone: 20 Essential Songs The 50 Greatest Eminem Songs All 274 of Taylor Swift's Songs, Ranked
Scottish Sun
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
UFC legend Ronda Rousey left in disbelief as Power Slap knockout sends competitor crashing to floor
The KO was unlike any seen before RON TO REMEMBER UFC legend Ronda Rousey left in disbelief as Power Slap knockout sends competitor crashing to floor UFC legend Ronda Rousey was left shocked by a stunning knockout in Power Slap. The former fighter had a front row seat for Power Slap 13 in Fontainebleau, Las Vegas. Advertisement 3 Pro wrestler Stunt Marshall knocked out Dontae Smiley in devastating fashion Credit: X @powerslap 3 Smiley's head hit the podium as he fell to the floor Credit: X @powerslap 3 Ronda Rousey was left gobsmacked by the incident Credit: X @powerslap And she was left gobsmacked after the bout between professional wrestler Stunt Marshall, and Dontae Smiley. Smiley had the first slap but was unable to impose any lasting damage on his opponent. And Marshall made him regret it immediately as he sent him crashing to the floor with a powerful left-handed slap. To make matters worse Smiley's head slammed into the podium between them as he fell, before falling into the arms of two support staff. Advertisement READ MORE IN SPORT TRANSFER LATEST Gittens to have Chelsea MEDICAL, Liverpool wait for Isak, Joao Pedro latest The KO stunned the arena, including Rousey who covered her mouth and looked amazed. Fans were shocked by the blow and the devastating nature of the KO. One reacted saying: "That was 🥶" Another added: "Cannot be good for the brain. Should be outlawed in my opinion." Advertisement CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS A third wrote: "Ended bro." And another commented: "Morning… This guy got slapped into next week!"
The Irish Sun
29-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
UFC legend Ronda Rousey left in disbelief as Power Slap knockout sends competitor crashing to floor
UFC legend Ronda Rousey was left shocked by a stunning knockout in Power Slap. The former fighter had a front row seat for 3 Pro wrestler Stunt Marshall knocked out Dontae Smiley in devastating fashion Credit: X @powerslap 3 Smiley's head hit the podium as he fell to the floor Credit: X @powerslap 3 Ronda Rousey was left gobsmacked by the incident Credit: X @powerslap And she was left gobsmacked after the bout between professional wrestler Stunt Marshall, and Dontae Smiley. Smiley had the first slap but was unable to impose any lasting damage on his opponent. And Marshall made him regret it immediately as he sent him crashing to the floor with a powerful left-handed slap. To make matters worse Smiley's head slammed into the podium between them as he fell, before falling into the arms of two support staff. READ MORE IN SPORT The KO stunned the arena, including Rousey who covered her mouth and looked amazed. Fans were shocked by the blow and the devastating nature of the KO. One reacted saying: "That was 🥶" Another added: "Cannot be good for the brain. Should be outlawed in my opinion." Most read in MMA CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS A third wrote: "Ended bro." And another commented: "Morning… This guy got slapped into next week!" UFC 317- Ilia Topuria SHOVES Paddy Pimblett in heated row after brutal first-round KO of Charles Oliveira to win LW belt
