Today in Gear: Product News Done Quick

Those of a certain age will remember LimeWire as a post-Napster way to effectively nab music for free, making it one of the easiest ways to share and download music at a time long before Spotify was thing (and when Apple’s only media and music option was still called the iTunes Store). Now, like other properties before it, LimeWire has been resurrected for the modern age, and — sadly, like most things today — been reworked into a platform to buy and sell NFTs. “Initially focusing on music,” LimeWire will be, according LimeWire’s new co-owner and entrepreneur Julian Zehetmayr, “an additional channel for artists to sell exclusive music and art directly to collectors and to engage with their most loyal community of fans.” At the moment, this new iteration of LimeWire is locked behind a waitlist, with early adopters gaining early access to the reborn platform. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like you’ll be able to download the singles burning up the charts over on MTV’s TRL with this iteration of LimeWire, but hey, time will tell how successful this nostalgia play will be. We’re providing updates on Woodford Reserve’s Kentucky Derby-themed limited release, Specialized’s radical new MTB helmet and Bodega’s retro-inspired Hoka collaboration. This is Today in Gear.

This John Hardy jewelry collection represents an industrial evolution.

John Hardy

Taking inspiration from hardware and incorporating geometric shapes, the Industrial collection consists of a series of rings, bracelets and necklaces that all embody a unique vision, with a selection that should fit a variety of different styles. The common denominator across several of the pieces is the Industrial Band Ring, which is offered in sterling silver matte black rhodium as a standalone piece, or as part of the Industrial Link Bracelet and Industrial Pendant Necklace. Other pieces include the Industrial Double Row Bracelet — which features a textured pusher clasp — and the pared-down Industrial Necklace.

Woodford Reserve showcases 2022’s Kentucky Derby special release.

Reserve Bar

Every year, Woodford Reserve drops a Kentucky Derby-edition limited release bourbon, using the bottle as a canvas to showcase a different artist each year. This year, artist and native Kentuckian Jaime Corum adds “Dreams in Bloom” to the bottle, which features three thoroughbreds sprinting on a background of flowers. As for what’s in the bottle, fans of Woodford Reserve will find the label’s classic Distiller’s Select bourbon. Expect it to land sometime in late March.

Specialized debuts radically-designed, all-new Ambush 2 mountain biking helmet.

Specialized

We think Specialized’s Ambush 2 is a must-buy based on looks alone, but we know that radical new tech has to perform as good as it looks. Thankfully, the Ambush 2 packs tons of incredible features, ranging from its high safety rating (a 5-Star Virginia Tech Helmet Rating), to breathability (courtesy of an integrated MIPS SL solution, optimized dual-density EPS foam and “4D brow cooling” airflow) and sheer convenience (we’re looking at you, sunglass storage).

Cult-favorite sneaker shop Bodega teams up with Hoka One One.

Courtesy

Boston’s Bodega is well-known for its selection of top-tier sneaker releases — to say nothing of its own collaborations with brands like New Balance. The retailer has teamed up with Hoka One One to give its take on the Kaha Low and Ora Recovery Slide, delivering the same tech you’d expect from these rugged (yes, even the slide) shoes from Hoka. The most noticeable difference here is the colorway choices on both models, which have a retro, mid-’90s outdoor gear vibe; both models blend Martini Olive with bright blue and fuschia. Both the Kaha Low and Ora Slide drop at Bodega on March 25, before hitting Hoka’s online shop on April 1.

Ever want skate on Elton John’s face? Now’s your chance.

Palace

Palace is dropping a full-on Elton John collection today (fully backed by the artist himself, if the teaser video is any indication), celebrating Elton John’s iconic 1975 performance at L.A.’s Dodger Stadium. The collection includes a selection of tees, a tracksuit and a skateboard. In classic Palace fashion, you’ll notice the brand has subtly swapped their name in place of the Dodgers branding. The collection drops at 11 a.m. today, so if this something you’re into, shop sooner rather than later.

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