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.
When we have real bread in our pocket, shit will be bad. Right now the most doing cats I know have pieced together some crumbs, and they’re doing it. But I’m talking bout loaves. Some fuckin loaves. I’m talking loaves cut up horizontally with some olive oil and vinegar with a splash of sauvignon. Alas, I’ve digressed a bit. All I’m saying is that when we’re on we’re gonna have fly ass hoop courts with fly decor, and pretty colors. Featured here is a court created from the mind of Stephane “The Mayor” Ashpool, artistic director of Pigalle. Enlisting the assistance of Yué “Nyo” Wu, the duo created this hoop court laced with the faces of iconic personalities from today, yesterday and tomorrow. The unveiling hosted by Lebron is the icing on the cake. Truly a spectacle. Nike’s done it again, building community through the promotion of art and sports.
At first I was hesitant. Jordan Brand’s been floppin since ‘03. But I decided to check Nike out and see what was really good. To my surprise, the site was dope. Featured at the History of Flight, is well, just that. A brief but entertaining time line of the career highlights of MJ. Reading through it you get lightweight nostalgic, but it’s actually a very well executed presentation. Nike’s just wet all around. This is just another example. Is Adidas trying to creep up though?
Varsity jackets might be the fall/winter move. I can see folks coppin a blank one and buying patches to put on. Not surprisingly, Nike Sportswear comes with their initial fall offering of their NSW varsity jackets. As with most, the NSW jackets feature a melton wool body with leather sleeves. But the varsity jacket raises one peculiar question. The var jacket is cool for Seniors Juniors and outstanding Sophomores but on the real? What are the JV cats supposed to rock?
Part of Nike’s latest ad campaign for the Hyperize kicks. Can’t say I love the shoes, but this shit is worth the watch for so many reasons. If the idea of Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Rashard Lewis and Mo Williams gettin on a track isn’t reason enough, at least watch for Mo’s jheri curl. Is it me or does Durant lightweight have bars? Quik cameos would explain why the song kinda slaps. On some Space Jam soundtrack shit. Yet another moment in the long and storied history of hoopers trying to rap. Bet you weren’t up on this though.
To celebrate the release of the third installment of Paul Rodriguez’s signature shoe, Nike SB has created a short commercial covering a day in the life of P-Rod. The slowed cinematography helps emphasize how truly dope these tricks are. This shit goes extra hard for the Kobe cameo at LMU. Winning.
Is there a giant corporation out there better at looking like a small independent business than Nike? On the marketing tip, a great initiative by Nike in efforts to support artistic works that fall in line with the scope of the brand. Great animation by Richard Kenworthy
Led by Eric Cantona, the Nike-Google Joga Bonito campaign was a beautifully executed marketing campagin by Nike. Established in 2006, the campaign sought to bring back the essence of soccer by relating the beauty of the game. In Portugese, “Joga Bonito” means ‘play beautifully.’ This clip features Brazil & Portugal in an intense game of keep a way.
