Nike “Year of the Dragon” Collection

Dragon, the totem worshiped in China for its command of natural forces, the claimed forefather of Chinese people, will have its likeness on a new Nike collection. By launching the specially designed shoes to celebrate the coming Year of the Dragon, Nike reveals a new dimension of creative expression.

In what has become an annual tradition, Nike draws inspiration from the Chinese zodiac for the 11th year in a row. The impeccable attention for detail portrayed in this collection is the best yet. Four models – AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME, AIR JORDAN 2012, NIKE KOBE VII SYSTEM SUPREME and NIKE ZOOM KD IV, were reworked to capture their association with the mythical creature. The collection of shoes represent the pinnacle of performance footwear, celebrating the past and present, with elite franchise styles. Nike designers aligned Chinese culture to cosmopolitan aesthetics and added a touch of novelty to the nobility and greatness of the dragon. The number of four echoes a Chinese idiom that dragons rise out of FOUR seas, conveying best wishes for the Chinese new year.

AIR FORCE 1 is irreplaceable for Nike and the fans. Inspired by dragon robe, the design team renewed its glory with AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME. The cloud-and-dragon pattern on the tongue, plus dragon design on the black silk texture of the sides and upper, evokes memories of royalty in China. The cloud-and-bat pattern on the sole is another derivative from dragon robe, which in Chinese culture implies good fortune. The appeal consummates with the Chinese character ‘Long’ (dragon) on the counter, the suede panel on the midsole, and the wax-finished shoelaces.

Chinese believe that dragon is a holy being, way above the mundane world. In the arena of basketball, Michael Jordan may be the only equivalent to that transcendence. As the largest single-digit number, 9 is appreciated as a sign of utmost power and achievements. Only emperors can wear robes with 9 dragons. A 9-dragon wall was exclusive for the royal family. 9 is also the lucky number for Michael Jordan. In his 9th season between 1992 and 93, Michael set personal and association record. Inspired by this mystical connection, the Jordan Brand design team, retouched AIR JORDAN 2012 for the new collection. The theme color of blue, in contrast with the yellow inner lining, underpins the message of supremacy, accentuated by the dragon pattern around JORDAN Logo on the tongue. The effect reaches its apex in the limited edition packaging, where red background is decorated with golden dragon and JORDAN Logo, bursting with Chinese features. Two cushions and three midsoles are available, offering functional and aesthetic benefits.

Kobe Bryant appreciates Chinese culture, in particular Chinese Kung Fu. The quest for agility and speed has been integrated into his own athletic art. Drawing inspiration from Kobe’s Italian root and Kung Fu movies filmed in that country, the design team rendered NIKE KOBE VII SYSTEM SUPREME with the signature tri-color of Italy. NIKE KOBE VII SYSTEM SUPREME comes with a cushion printed with Kobe’s exclusive golden Logo, a statement of invincibility. The matrix design on the upper is a special code, spelling the message for Kobe. With his signature and an animated dragon pattern on the counter, this design is impeccable for the Chinese new year.

Kevin Durant was born in a year of the dragon, and he does demonstrate dragon-like power in the court. As 2012 is the year of water dragon, the Nike Basketball design team incorporates an array of watery elements into NIKE ZOOM KD IV. The signature strap, in combination with the wave pattern on the tongue and the laser-etched blue shadows, creates a rippling effect. The water dragon surrounding the KD logo on the counter highlights oriental association. The whole piece is dominated by light blue and light mango, symbolic of Thunder. NIKE ZOOM KD IV adopts new Adaptive Fit system to deliver the perfect fit.

In addition to the four footwear styles, the Nike DESTROYER JACKET will hit the street at the same time. Also inspired by dragon robe, it features woolen texture with black suede sleeves. The dragon theme is illustrated through the lining, plus dragon claws embroidered both in the lining and the back, set alive by the cloud-and-bat design. The DESTROYER JACKET will be available alone or along with the Nike AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME, both in the limited edition packaging.

source: KIX-FILES

NIKE (RED) raises awareness for World AIDS Day

Highlighting an exclusive selection of Nike Sportswear product, Nike continues its partnership with (RED) by releasing three pinnacle items refurbished in red to raise awareness and inspire action in the fight against HIV/AIDS in Africa on December 1 — World AIDS Day.

Available in limited quantities at select Nike Sportswear retailers globally, the NSW Melton DESTROYER (PRODUCT)RED™, the NSW Cheyenne Backpack (PRODUCT)RED™ and the Nike Zoom Meriwether (PRODUCT)RED™ from Nike Sportswear’s Holiday 2011 collection are the next installment in a call to action initiated in 2009 to help the (RED) mission of fighting HIV and AIDS.

The NSW Melton DESTROYER (PRODUCT) RED™ jacket is inspired by classic letterman jackets and fashioned in red Melton wool with black leather sleeves and signature bonded zippers. The NSW Cheyenne Backpack (PRODUCT) RED™ features Nike’s highest level of waterproof construction. The Nike Zoom Meriwether, a technical boot hailing from ACG with welded waterproof side zippers and the original NIKE (PRODUCT) RED™ laces, represents the ultimate in protection against the elements while signifying commitment to a cause.

Nike has a strong tradition of tapping into the power of sport to elevate global causes by using athletes, product, and great sporting moments as a vehicle to ignite engagement. The company has taken a dual approach to fight HIV/AIDS in Africa by both delivering funds to directly support programs that offer education and medication on the ground, and the partnership to help (RED) raise awareness and funds for the Global Fund to help eliminate AIDS in Africa.

The Nike Sportswear (PRODUCT) RED™ collection will release on December 1 in limited quantities at select Nike Sportswear retailers and Nike STADIUMS globally. For more information please visit: www.nikestadiums.com

Nike MS 78

Nike decided to revive the MS78 sneaker. It’s a little bit of running, a little bit of urban design, and a little bit of vintage looks all in one. Pre-order at Crooked Tongues

Ed Banger Records x Etnies – Ednies

Electro label Ed Banger Records worked together with sneaker brand Etnies to release a collab sneaker, cheekily named “Ednies”. Only 300 pairs of the Ednies sneakers are only available worldwide, and it features the trademark Ed Banger Records style, which is characterized by the illustration and graphics done by in house artist, So Me.

Nike SB Zoom Omar Salazar

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Be Positive Spring/Summer 2010 – Loafer Suede and New College Suede

The loafer Suede comes in two colorways and the New College Suede as well. The New College Suede comes with open air bubble and a pattern on the heel that reminds of the classic car racing shoe. For our own taste the sole is a little too thick on the New College Suede. All four shoes are now available from Hanon

Arkitip x Ace Hotel x Generic Surplus Mesh Pool Shoe

Generic Surplus, Arkitip and The Ace Hotel Palm Springs introduce two new colorways of their collaborative mesh pool shoe for 2010. “Inspired by the eternal summer vibe of Palm Springs, the new Red, White and Blue Ace Hotel Palm Springs Shoe is a study in relaxed, understated sophistication. While our Grey, Yellow and White shoe draws from the spirited color palette of the hotel’s pool and cabana grounds.” Both colorways are now available for pre-order here

Vans ‘California’ Pack: Era 45 CA Fixed

Part of Vans’ new California pack consists of the Era 45 CA Fixed, which was constructed with cycling in mind. It features heavy suede, thicker canvas, reflective details, and a stronger build all around. Available at DQM

Parra x Nike Air Max 1

Graphic artist and designer, PARRA, is widely known for this unique hand-drawn typography and this acclaim has brought forth another project with Nike. For the PARRA x Nike Air Max 1 the classic runner uses a burgundy suede and mesh upper that is highlighted with bright blue laces. Terry chenille is applied across the the Nike Swoosh and the PARRA tongue tab. Look for the Nike Air Max 1 to be exclusive to The Netherlands, and will be available March 13th.
Available at Patta.nl

Clarks Desert Boot – White Suede

We love the new white suede Desert Boot by Clarks. A super clean white suede upper with beige laces and matching outer sole. Available at Ships