Technology VOCAL Technology VOCAL

Introducing: QuadPay

As one of the fastest-growing fintech retail payment innovators in the US, QuadPay is forging the future of purchase payment for the 80+ million millennials that currently account for almost 30% of all daily per-person consumer spending, projected to reach $1.4 trillion of collective spending power by 2020.

BUY NOW. PAY LATER.

The Payment Solution for Tomorrow’s Largest Spending Segment.

As one of the fastest-growing fintech retail payment innovators in the US, QuadPay is forging the future of purchase payment for the 80+ million millennials that currently account for almost 30% of all daily per-person consumer spending, projected to reach $1.4 trillion of collective spending power by 2020.

QuadPay empowers consumers with the option to pay for their purchases in four equal and interest-free installments over six weeks; the customer gets the product upfront while QuadPay’s brand partners are paid immediately.  As the millennial population enters their prime spending years with less than 50% having access to credit, QuadPay is disrupting the field of payment solutions as the most innovative provider of affordable purchase in North America — buy now, pay later.

Adam Ezra, Co-Founder of QuadPay, said the key to QuadPay’s rapid success has been focusing on building the most consumer-centric payment option in market. “Traditionally, companies offering installment payments have focused on making money from the consumer, either by charging APR or claiming to be interest free while charging punitive late fees. When we set up QuadPay, we had one ambition: to always put the customer first.”

This prioritization of transparency and consumer benefit has been a major contributor to QuadPay’s rapid growth since their US launch in February.  The first three days of October saw the processing of more transactions through their platform than in the first three months of operation, clearly demonstrating the previously unmet demand for a fair and affordable payment solution.  Looking ahead, QuadPay is forecasting that it will facilitate more than $20m in sales over the coming Black Friday and Cyber Monday shopping period.

For Johannes Quodt — co-founder of the fast growing, millennial-focused brand Koio — unlocking new customers is critical in the highly competitive ecommerce industry. “There’s no question that for a large number of our customers, using QuadPay is the difference between making or delaying a purchase. Since offering QuadPay as a payment solution we’ve seen AOV and conversion both increase noticeably, all with zero risk to us.”  

Similarly, Katie Grose, Head of eCommerce at leading fashion brand For Love & Lemons, was surprised by the level of latent demand there was for QuadPay. “"When our customers realize there are no strings attached and it’s completely free to use the platform, the uptake was dramatic. It’s not uncommon for QuadPay to be processing 15% of all of our payments - which is close to the same percentage as PayPal.”

QuadPay will launch with a selection of new enterprise clients in Q4 of 2018, including one of the largest shoes brand in the US and eBags.com, part of The Samsonite Group and the largest online retailers of bags in the US, with brands including Patagonia, Under Armour, Nike and The North Face.

For more information on QuadPay’s payment innovations, visit www.QuadPay.com. For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.  

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Fashion VOCAL Fashion VOCAL

Introducing: OBRA Footwear

A long-awaited step forward in vulcanized sneakers is imminent with the launch of OBRA premium footwear, the joint vision of two New York City-based entrepreneurial designers — ALIFE and New York Art Department founder Arnaud Delecolle, and Dave Cory formerly Converse’s Director of Product.

BEST FOOT FORWARD IN ALL-DAY WEARABILITY

OBRA Footwear Announces Imminent First Limited Release for June ’18.

 

A long-awaited step forward in vulcanized sneakers is imminent with the launch of OBRA premium footwear, the joint vision of two New York City-based entrepreneurial designers — ALIFE and New York Art Department founder Arnaud Delecolle, and Dave Cory formerly Converse’s Director of Product.

Roughly translating from the Portuguese obra as physical or artistic work, OBRA footwear represents both the utilitarian and artistic interpretations through a considered approach to functional styling with focus on everyday-use wear, fit and comfort. From the cushioning pleasure of a thick, dual-density EVA insole to the grippy outsole inspired by Brutalist architecture, OBRA sneakers offer durability and stability unmatched by such lightweight construction.

OBRA footwear reinforces the founders’ appreciation and enthusiasm for contemporary art and culture that continues from a strong emphasis on progressive design to a commitment to create inspiring footwear with exceptional artists while also promoting and furthering their personal work.

A core part of OBRA’s greater purpose and underlining appeal is a social-betterment initiative that continues through design and production, and even beyond purchase to allocate a share of revenue to non-profit organizations focused on civil liberties and education. Kicking this off is a partnership with Red Hook Labs that donates 10% of sales to their teen programs which link year-round skills training with professional opportunities.

This socially conscious ethos is further highlighted with production undertaken in Brazil by a family-owned production house now celebrating its 70th year in business, where employees thrive within a progression program that uplifts the local community — continuing education programs, on-site medical facilities, a nutritionist-managed cafeteria, local day-care facilities and to-and-from work transportation. 

To request preferred access to events and advance product release information, visit www.oobbrraa.com.

For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.  

 

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Sport VOCAL Sport VOCAL

Alps & Meters: Luxury Alpine Sportswear

When a vintage ski jacket in a Swedish mountain town caught the eye of Louis Joseph, he knew he had found his calling. An avid alpine and telemark skier since the age of five, Joseph adored the knitwear jacket for its nostalgic features, which set it apart from the abundance of Gore-Tex ski apparel on the market. Deciding he could keep the garment’s timeless design but improve on its functionality, he started making plans for a premium alpine sportswear line, gathering anecdotes and feedback about classic ski wear and mountain lifestyles from around the world. Ten years later, Alps & Meters was borne.

alps-and-meters.jpg

Alps & Meters

When a vintage ski jacket in a Swedish mountain town caught the eye of Louis Joseph, he knew he had found his calling. An avid alpine and telemark skier since the age of five, Joseph adored the knitwear jacket for its nostalgic features, which set it apart from the abundance of Gore-Tex ski apparel on the market. Deciding he could keep the garment’s timeless design but improve on its functionality, he started making plans for a premium alpine sportswear line, gathering anecdotes and feedback about classic ski wear and mountain lifestyles from around the world. Ten years later, Alps & Meters was borne.

"Since inception it has been our mission to build our brand on a unique set of values for which we are most passionate, and that reflect our appreciation of authentic alpine sport. Thus, we aimed to create a brand with a persona that reflects the timeless, nostalgic, and rich experiences that many of us have enjoyed in mountain villages around the world."

AlpsAndMeters.com

 
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Lifestyle VOCAL Lifestyle VOCAL

Able Archer: Purpose-Driven Bags

Able Archer presents a new line of purpose-driven bags that go everywhere and do it well as a quiet and competent companion. Inspired by the thankless work of international photojournalists, news writers and guerrilla filmmakers, Able Archer caters to the unique requirements of today’s globally active individuals – protecting their tools, and their ambitions. 

Able Archer

Able Archer presents a new line of purpose-driven bags that go everywhere and do it well as a quiet and competent companion. Inspired by the thankless work of international photojournalists, news writers and guerrilla filmmakers, Able Archer caters to the unique requirements of today’s globally active individuals – protecting their tools, and their ambitions. 

Able Archer innovates from vintage military equipment of the past century, combining classic army surplus sensibility with thoughtfully enhanced functionality and advanced modular carry systems. Using time-tested combat silhouettes, materials and hardware, Able Archer’s exterior is naturally rugged and functional while remaining low profile and familiar. Inside however, Able Archer bags are a high-tech haven for all our tools, old and new – cameras, phones, computers, tablets – using the latest materials for storage, customization and accessibility.

Under the ideal that our actions define us, Able Archer elevates utility and preparedness to a state of mind that drives the modest professional to carry on through borders, boundaries, and ultimately, to their objectives.

AbleArcher.co

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Sport VOCAL Sport VOCAL

York Athletic PopUp Shop

Truly valuing individuality, creativity and a fighting spirit, YORK footwear and accessories are minimally designed for maximum performance, empowering the wearer to create intention and carve out their own unique path in life. With their signature training shoe, The Henry, YORK has gained a strong following within the fighting fitness community, as well as with trainers and everyday gym goers.

York Athletic

11.29.16 / 6pm–9pm

114 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

RSVP: tami@yorkathleticsmfg.com

Truly valuing individuality, creativity and a fighting spirit, YORK footwear and accessories are minimally designed for maximum performance, empowering the wearer to create intention and carve out their own unique path in life. With their signature training shoe, The Henry, YORK has gained a strong following within the fighting fitness community, as well as with trainers and everyday gym goers. A roster of renowned professional trainers are in YORK’s corner as brand ambassadors – including Anna Farrant, Jay Kelly, Kevin Cobbs, Whitney Hull-Benson, and Jordan Bowers – and are living examples of how a fighting mindset can change your life. All leaders in their field, they understand the impact health and fitness have on ones mind as well as ones body, and reinforce the brand’s honoring of the fighting spirit in all of us. 

For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.  

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Sport VOCAL Sport VOCAL

York Athletic MFG Releases Holiday Performance Footwear Collection

The newly launched performance footwear brand YORK Athletics Mfg. came strong out of the gates earlier this year with its high quality and intentionally understated line of lightweight performance trainers and accessories. This second collection for the holidays see iconic models revamped with new materials, colorways and the addition of temperature regulating Dri-Freeze technology


The newly launched performance footwear brand YORK Athletics Mfg. came strong out of the gates earlier this year with its high quality and intentionally understated line of lightweight performance trainers and accessories. This second collection for the holidays see iconic models revamped with new materials, colorways and the addition of temperature regulating Dri-Freeze technology.

York Athletic

YORK is blazing a new trail in the health and fitness space by promoting both mental and physical health, believing that a fighting mindset strengthens the pursuit of living a more fulfilling and healthy life. As some of the most conditioned athletes in the world, YORK manifests this through the lens of boxers whose training rigorously combines strength, speed, stamina, balance and mental conditioning. Even if you’re not a boxer, YORK inspires you to train like a fighter.

Truly valuing individuality, creativity and a fighting spirit, YORK footwear and accessories are minimally designed for maximum performance, empowering the wearer to create intention and carve out their own unique path in life. With their signature training shoe, The Henry, YORK has gained a strong following within the fighting fitness community, as well as with trainers and everyday gym goers. A roster of renowned professional trainers are in YORK’s corner as brand ambassadors – including Anna Farrant, Jay Kelly, Kevin Cobbs, Whitney Hull-Benson, and Jordan Bowers – and are living examples of how a fighting mindset can change your life. All leaders in their field, they understand the impact health and fitness have on ones mind as well as ones body, and reinforce the brand’s honoring of the fighting spirit in all of us.

YORK’s Holiday Collection presents their iconic silhouette, The Henry, in six new materials and colorways available across the classic and mid-top models, all emboldened with the addition of Dry-Freeze technology. Built into the sock liner or insole, this innovation provides exceptional breathability and moisture control to keep your feet comfortable and refreshed so you can continue to turn up your workout even when temperatures rise. These lightweight, breathable and highly responsive trainers ensure that your performance is only as limited as your drive.

Further fueling their product evolution and refinement is the growing community that shares their stories and insights through YORK’s online Out of Step journal, presenting unapologetic perspectives that range from the motivating and inspiring to the educational and entertaining. Rather than a specific sport uniting this community of movement mavericks, it is a shared mindset focused on the mental and physical disciplines of healthy balance.

Coinciding with the collection release is YORK’s announcement of their partnership with public relations agency VOCAL, the New York City-based PR and marketing firm increasingly focusing on technology, sports and fitness. Aside from taking the lead on all brand communications, from the digital conversation to brand ambassador programming, VOCAL will also help guide this fast-growing #OutOfStep audience and ensure that the YORK message is carried to all who choose a more informed path to personal performance. 

For more information please visit www.YorkAthleticsMfg.com. For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.  

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Lifestyle VOCAL Lifestyle VOCAL

Introducing: Vyayama

Balancing style and sustainability, Vyayama is a new lifestyle brand that brings the energies of the natural world into reimagined everyday products for the body, mind and home. Launching today as the first in a program of releases: a limited yoga wear line for the empowered female that brings a new understanding of mindful luxury to performance apparel, complimenting custom-made natural fabrics with unique, contemporary design to translate the essence of yoga into refined and effortless style.  

BRINGING BEAUTY TO THE MOVEMENT OF LIFE

Vyayama Launches Lifestyle Brand with Conscious Yoga Wear Collection That Aligns Practice and Style.

Balancing style and sustainability, Vyayama is a new lifestyle brand that brings the energies of the natural world into reimagined everyday products for the body, mind and home. Launching today as the first in a program of releases: a limited yoga wear line for the empowered female that brings a new understanding of mindful luxury to performance apparel, complimenting custom-made natural fabrics with unique, contemporary design to translate the essence of yoga into refined and effortless style.   

Within the fast-paced lifestyle of New York City, Vyamama (pronounced “vai-ah-mah”) was born from a collective of young professionals that find balance in yoga but felt a lack of harmony between the mindfulness of their practice and available apparel. Just as yoga draws upon natural energy to renew mind, body and spirit, Vyamama yoga wear is constructed from natural fibers that are kind to both skin and soul. Carefully selected fabrics from Europe’s premiere toxin-free producers create a conscious collection that aligns with your practice and commitment to your intention. 

Paragraph on pieces – please provide list of key items, along with detailing and noteworthy talking points. This should push the style aspect of the clothing, with mention of fabrics.

More than simply a pursuit of fitness and wellbeing, yoga elevates personal perspective and performance. With this understanding contributing to the Vyamama philosophy, their new collection of conscious yoga wear brings the fulfilling balance of practice to the wardrobe and sets the scene for their comprehensive lifestyle collections to come.

Vyayama is available through their online community portal and at select retailers worldwide. For more information visit Vyayama.com.

For all media inquiries contact VOCAL.  

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The VOCAL Times: Collaborative Creativity

A Pepsi lifestyle initiative, Project Cobalt is a new way of bringing creative people together through the power of collaboration. Its mission is to enable the next generation of creators by providing them with the tools, resources and platforms that they may not otherwise have, in order to help bring their vision to life. 

Project Cobalt is a uniquely networked platform that accelerates the potential of young cre- ators to impact the world through the disciplines of fashion, art, music, lm, technology, and craft. The goal is to maintain an ongoing conversation with future generations who embody creative culture.

To launch the program, the strategic consul- tancy All Beuys Club oversaw the Cobalt Style initiative that fosters the best of young, visionary fashion assisted by the expert guidance and un- common insight of industry veterans. Known as the “Craft Class”, the rst young designer team was mentored under Jeff Staple, Liza Demeyrijan and Parke & Ronen to produce the Project Cobalt SS15 Collection. The success of the collection nods to the innovative approach of the initiative, as well as creativity and dedication of the young design team: Olu Alege and Edgar Garrido of Street Level Culture; Alexandra Kennedy, Samantha Giordano of Dolores Haze; and Drew Villani of Dreu.

Photos shot by William Yan, a photographer born and raised in New York City whose work extends to household names such as Heineken, Intel, Levi’s, Nike, New Era, New Balance, Oscar de la Renta, Supra, Timberland, and Vince among others. Look Book video shot by Everyday Won- ders, a full-service production company o ering a creative and collaborative approach to producing innovative content. 

The VOCAL Times
The VOCAL Times
The VOCAL Times

As part of their ongoing commitment to support young designers, Project Cobalt partnered with the three biggest fashion fairs: Capsule, Agenda and Liberty.

For the first-ever Men’s New York Fashion Week, Project Cobalt partnered with Capsule to present brands from around the globe in an event titled “A Snapshot of Modern Menswear”. The show at the Skylight Clarkson Square featured the brands Baartmans & Siegel of the UK, Black st of the U.S., CAMO of Italy, CMMN SWDN of Sweden, Matthew Miller of the UK, as well as Maiden Noir and Second Layer, both of the U.S. Each brand presented a sneak peek of five looks with highlight pieces from their Spring/Summer 2016 collections. The dream team behind the presentations consisted of talent caster Kevin Amato and Complex magazine’s fashion editor Mathew Henson as stylist.

Hosting the first all-day sponsored Agenda Emerge workshop, Project Cobalt provides both an interactive and educational experience for all aspiring youths looking to succeed in fashion. These unique series of presentations and panels host some of the most inspiring newcomer and veteran designers to inform and inspire the genius of tomorrow’s fashion leaders.

In partnership with Liberty fashion and life- style fairs, Project Cobalt provide resources to emerging brands and creatives showcased at for the rst time during Men’s Market Week. Founded in 2014 by menswear designer Jonathan Taylor, Moment Homme navigates directly to the spirit of the modern day consumer to demonstrate a global aesthetic that mixes classic American tailored pieces with denim with a strong Japanese influence. 

The VOCAL Times
 
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