Wow, in a very retro 90's way, we're totally psyched that Reebok has decided to bring back the pump. Not the ladies shoe, mind you, we're talking about the pump that allows middle schoolers to over-inflate their sneakers causing longterm damage (or was that an urban myth?). It's all part of Reebok's bid to climb out of the hole that they've been in since -- well, probably since the Pump-it-Up days.

Their new Yao Ming limited edition sneaker is being released in conjunction with Yao's appearance in this summer's Olympics, where he'll be representing China. Complete with fire-breathing dragons and traditional Chinese colors, these are probably the most elaborate pumps Reebok's ever made. The struggling athletic company hopes to use these mean-looking sneaks, and a media blitz targeting China's Yao pride, to gain a foothold in the world's largest emerging market. Only 2008 of these babies will be produced, and they'll run you about $150.

They're a bit flashy for out taste -- would you wear these out on the court?

Gallery: Yao Ming's Olympic Edition Pumps

[via BlackBook]

Uh, oh. It seems as though the American athletic stars may have to tap into their competitive spirit even before the last torch is lit this summer in Beijing.

As was mentioned earlier, Ralph Lauren has been chosen to outfit the group of chiseled-bodied women and men representing the good 'ole US of A in two months.

Also, in celebration of the worldly contest, Anna Wintour proudly featured a number of summer Olympians in Vogue's April issue.

The American Olympians won't be the only athletes rocking designer duds a la Ralph Lauren this summer.

Manchester United Football Club has tapped Paul Smith to design the teams formal wear and accessories for the next three years.

Can you think of anything more unfair? As we've already told you, Team USA will be sporting Ralph Lauren for the opening ceremony at the Beijing Olympics, and the New Zealand Olympians will be schlumping around in an official uniform that includes Crocs.

The women will be wearing the sueded "Alice" style for the opening ceremony, and then all the athletes will wear the ever-popular Beach model. The kicker with this is that Olympic chef de mission Dave Currie said the shoes would be "very stylish."

The year's US Olympic team will be sporting preppy styles and miniature polo players. That's according to an announcement yesterday that none other than Ralph Lauren himself will be outfitting the Team USA during the opening ceremony. That is, if the torch makes it there in tact.

Ralph and Co. are taking over the project after the USOC ended its lovefest with Canadian fashion shop Roots Ltd. -- which has had the contract for the last 3 Olympics. Apparently, the committee was looking for something a little more formal for this year's Olympians. The head officer of the USOC told Lauren that his inspiration for this year is Chariots of Fire, so expect lots of V-neck sweaters and blue sport coats.

Naomi Campbell spits on strangers. Now she's banned from British Airways for life. [Reuters]

Wish you could beat Karl Lagerfeld with a baseball bat and steal his car? Now you can! He's in Grand Theft Auto IV. [Shiny Shiny]

Are you a hopeless douche bag who tries too hard to be cool? Then you'll want this lame handbag "Urban Performer Unit" in your arsenal. [Gizmodo]

Have you spent the winter months holed up in the bathroom, trying out various beauty products to find the perfect lipstick / eye shadow / concealer / lotion / shampoo / etc.? If not, don't sweat it -- Second City Style has done the work for you.

The Second City Style Beauty Olympics have been in the works for months, with staff members and readers testing hundreds of products out and giving their honest opinions on everything from makeup to skincare to hair, supplements, fragrances, and more.

The women reviewing the products ran the gamut from stylists and editors to students and doctors, and not only did they say whether they liked or disliked the products -- they explained why. It's a really helpful guide that you might want to check out before you need your next lip gloss fix. You get those too, right?