This episode of STATE OF THE WEEK drops the curtain on this week’s hottest fashion drops, including the underwhelming Gap x Awake New York collab that left fans craving more effort, and the bold move of Jaetips partnering with Nike. Royal Rel and Gatsby dissect why some collaborations succeed, why others flop, and what it reveals about brand strategy in 2026.

You'll discover how big brands like Zara are testing new waters with Willy Chavaria's daring designs, and why streetwear giants like Supreme and Palace remain the gold standard for authenticity. We also break down the controversy surrounding Virgil Abloh’s estate vs the reimagining of Off-White, and why these moves can be seen as disrespectful or savvy — depending on who you ask.

Plus, get the scoop on Uniqlo’s latest partnership with the LA Dodgers—an intersection of Japanese heritage and American sports — and what it signals for future sports-fashion collaborations. And of course, the episode takes a hard look at Nike’s latest Air Max offerings, revealing why most of Nike’s recent releases have disappointed sneakerheads and how consumers are fueling a nostalgic return to classics like the Air Max 95.

Why does all this matter? Because understanding these shifts is essential for anyone passionate about fashion’s next chapter — whether you're a designer, collector, or just a streetwear enthusiast. There’s a real opportunity here to decode trends before they blow up or flop.

Chapters
(00:00) - Intro & discussion mood
(02:00) - Gap x Awake New York collaboration overview
(04:00) - Critique of the design, subtle branding, and collection success
(08:00) - Nike’s recent Air Max releases and community reception
(11:30) - Willy Chavaria's partnership with Zara — cultural impact and collection details
(15:00) - Thoughts on the Zara x Willy Chavaria strategy and market testing
(19:00) - Uniqlo and LA Dodgers partnership as a market move
(21:00) - The ongoing debate of Virgil Abloh vs Off-White projects
(34:00) - Sneaker culture critique — reactions to recent Nike drops
(43:00) - Final thoughts, upcoming projects, and closing remarks