I’ve been trying to put into words this experience for a while. We threw up a few posts about it a while back, but it was kinda hard to do it justice. Luckily Nike’s done the hard work for us. So here it is. Acting weird at 1:04 and the settled profile at 1:57. wineandbowties.com/outhere.
Yesterday marked the culmination of the World Cup at the Montalban. With the theatre packed to the brim, it was again up to Emily to save the day. Reed, DS, Tiago and I slid in with her assistance, while Hanif went real stealth for his entrance. Nonetheless it was a great experience and an end to one of the more unique branding experiences I’ve been a part of. Big thanks to everyone involved in facilitating the events. Nike is winning.
Last week I shared Part 1 of my Nike Dodger Stadium experience. As a prerequisite to partake in the experience, I had to agree to attend both days of the event before hand. While the dinner on Dodger field was day one, day two’s experience was just as if not more spectacular.
Earlier today Mario and I hit the Montalban for the Paraguay, Spain quarter finals match. Definitely one of the more exciting soccer matches I’ve witnessed. It’s crazy that these players have been training for years for these games. Putting on for their teams in a major way. For those interested in checking out the games in a festive environment, the rest of the World Cup will be shown in their entirety free of charge at the Nike Montalban theatre. Doors open 30 minutes before games start so be on time for the best seats.
Every so often a moment comes along that makes it all worth it. Often times it’s a comment, or a verbal pat on the back, but other times it’s an entire experience. Fresh off our Montalban excursion, I was surprised to come across a rather mysterious email last week, sent from Nike. Upon opening it, I was pleasantly surprised by an invitation to a “Special Nike Event.” Opening up the attachment I read the short directions:
Travel East on Sunset. left on Elysian Park Avenue. Pull up to the security gate, and your name will be on the list. (Gate will close at 7:15PM)
Somehow Nike always manages to outdo themselves. At the end of the day I think it comes down to execution, but let’s save that for another conversation. Yesterday, we were invited to attend the opening weekend celebrations for the World Cup at the Nike Montalban Facility in Los Angeles. A unique venue, the Montalban has played host to a variety of lively events involving everyone from the likes of ?uestlove to Kobe Bryant. The day’s events related the excitement of World Cup soccer, and fans’ appreciation for a well played match. Projecting the U.S. vs. England game in the movie theater style auditorium of the facility, the venue provided a settled environment to watch the game, while the open bar ensured a festive atmosphere.
There’s new shit to blog about every single day. And some things are just cooler than others. In the process of browsing the daily selection, sometimes you get some pretty pictures. Other times you get a quality slap, or a funny video. And then some days, you get a new Nike commercial full of Kobe’s career highlights and classic hoops moments, all set to a Beatles song, covered by none other than 3 Stacks. I guess today’s just one of those days.
Gearing up for this summer’s World Cup in South Africa, Nike brings us yet another incredible creative project. This time, Nike Stadiums teamed with Croatian visual artist Danijel Zezelj to bring to life some of football’s most exciting moments over the years. Heroes of Speed is a mixed media project, including videos animated by Zezelj celebrating some of the game’s most “mercurial” figures. Up first, fittingly enough is Ronaldo. Say what you want about Nike as a whole, but they set the bar high for creative marketing. Hit the link above to see what’s really good with Heroes of Speed.
Upon, first watch, “Cool, new Nike campaign.” Upon second watch, “Wait, what did I actually learn from this?” While I support the initiative, I’d still like to be a bit more informed about the issue at hand. Perhaps I’m asking too much. On the surface it seems as though Nike has managed to link the initiative with their signature Nike swag allowing Maria Sharapova, Kobe and others to put on for Nike. 0:05 is a bit off. But remember I’m biased. Overall I’m cool with this. Nike’s putting on. This link provides more information on the initiative, and also informs you a bit more about the AIDS situation in Africa. Good shit Nike. I’m not mad.
Back on the blogspot we told you about Nike’s latest foray into the varsity jacket game. Creating a collection of jackets based around the competitive nature of the cities Nike inhabits, Nike’s latest efforts bring us the London edition of the jackets. In their own words, “futuristic functionality that never detracts from a timeless aesthetic.” I think it’s hard to disagree. The cherry on top lies in the creative individuals Nike chose to rock the jackets. Featuring the likes of Sara and Loren the creative duo behind the 90′s themed Work It parties, to ballet soloist Eric Underwood, Nike’s managed to once again cultivate their brand while promoting creativity and excellence. Winning. Tough.
Mastering the art of marketing comes naturally for Nike. No better has this been expressed than through their collaborations with Michael Jordan and Spike Lee during the Air Jordan campaigns. Creating iconic commercials for the III’s IV’s and V’s, Spike Lee’s alter ego Mars Blackmon took the Jordan Brand to new heights. With a little help from MJ. To commemorate the latest Jordan Spiz’ike hybrid, Nike has created an interactive site to get lost in. Fun for all ages.
These dunks are really on some other shit. Made entirely out of paper, visual artist David Brownings has created these colorful paper pieces. The U.K. artist, who also specializes in paper-mache, has made a series of these shoes in various colors and is also taking personal orders for your own paper kicks. Just email bruh, and you’ve got some custom paper kicks.
In the midst of the digital music era, it’s easy to forget that part of what made hip-hop so captivating in the first place was the live performance. Long before Wayne or Ye sold out arenas, an MC used to have to be able to rhyme off top, and on the spot to be respected as such. These three are MC’s in every sense of the word, and three of the best to do it, in my humble. Maybe the dopest part about this is that none of them have to do some shit like this. They do it simply for the love of their craft. Watch how it’s done kids.
Chocolate Air Force 1′s. Designed by +41, these edible kicks were created to celebrate Nike’s 25th Anniversary for the Air Force 1′s. On some real shit though. White on white Air Forces were the go tos for like 4 years straight. Had to walk around hella carefully to make sure they didn’t get scuffed. Cats would flop themselves too. Their jeans would leak onto their kicks turning them light blue. You go to the bathroom at lunch and see cats standing in their socks with paper towels and soap. Damn I’m laughing. Props to Snick though, he started that shit. But back to the creation at hand. The miniature milk and white chocolate pack includes 3 boxes. 1 pair per box. Another testament to the creative prowess of Nike. I wonder if Reebok will ever catch up.
