Cassius Approves: Kobe Bryant AF1s, Noah x Timex & More
Cassius Approves: Kobe Bryant’s Pajamas-Inspired AF1s, Noah Taps Timex For Another Timepiece & More
Welcome to Cassius Approves, where the team drops off some of the hottest items around in fashion, sneakers, tech, and more. Whether an impulsive purchase, a quick Amazon Prime order, or a statement piece, we’re cutting through the noise with our recommendations. Check out our latest selections below.
Noah x Timex
Noah is attempting to recreate some magic by linking up with Timex again for some gold-plated dress watch goodness. This time around, the elevated streetwear brand —born out of Supreme vet, Brendon Babenzien—opted for a rounded rectangle case with a dreamy, illustrated monochrome lighthouse on the face. Alongside is Noah’s logo with the Timex name at 6 o’clock. It’s finished off with a croc embossed black leather band, adding to its understated look. Plus, for $228, it’s a great entry-level watch that just rare enough to turn heads. Presales are currently live on noahny.com, with shipments scheduled to begin in November 2025.
Lee x BEAMS Denim
Fancy denim from new brands is cool, but few have the history behind their name like Lee jeans. The certified American outfitter has linked up with Shibuya-born and Americana-obsessed Beams for the fourth time. This collaboration capitalizes on the current trend of looser-fitting denim in a lighter wash, featuring honeycomb fading, meticulously tattered seams, and nearly blown-out knees for a classic, worn look. Though they dropped last month, they’re still available to cop on Beams’ site. So, if you’re looking to get in on the baggy pants craze with some limited-edition hype behind it, you can pick them up for $191.
WNBA x Lids
The WNBA has the ratings on lock, the rivalries are spicy, and even a bona fide star in the reigning Champion NY Liberty’s mascot. Next is to make fitted caps just as stapleworthy, and Lids is connecting with Made for the W to make it happen for its third collaboration. With the help of New Era 59FIFTY, the brands are announcing the “Established” Collection, featuring caps with a two-tone design, a patch denoting the team’s first year of play, and a grey underbrim. Priced at $49, the collection is available at LidsHD.com and in select Lids and NBA Store locations.
Nike Air Max 95 “Bright Mandarin”
Big bubble Air Max 95s are back, and one of the colorways leading the charge is “Bright Mandarin.” The iconic grey gradient styling is featured on the upper, with bright orange accents on the eyelets, mini swoosh, and air unit. The “Neon” colorway dropped earlier this year, but Complex confirms that more pairs of the “Bright Mandarin” will be produced. And for $190, it’s a no-brainer pick up for sneaker heads looking to add a pop of color into their summer rotation. If you didn’t stay locked to your SNKRS app this Friday morning, the resell market is your best friend.
Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low Protro “Soft Yellow”
Kobe Bryant’s footwear legacy with Nike is already cemented, but now his likeness is being lent to the Air Force One. Dubbed the “Soft Yellow,” it’s named after the colorway of leather that covers the upper. The pastel-like shade matches the purple outsole for a not-so-subtle nod to the Lakers. The typical Nike air signage on the sole is swapped with his signature, and the heel tab is replaced with his jersey number eight. The ReactX foam insole insert is an homage to Bryant’s hard work, featuring an image of him clad in practice gear and pajamas, getting up shots after a game in 1999. His plaid PJs are also memorized again in the laces. Expect the Kobe Bryant x Nike Air Force 1 Low Protro “Soft Yellow” to drop later this summer.
