words // Brandon Richard
via Press Release
Following what has become an annual tradition, Nike is releasing a collection of footwear inspired by the Chinese Zodiac for the 11th year in a row. This year's collection features four models inspired by the dragon, a mythical creature worshipped in China for its command of natural forces and the claimed forefather of Chinese people. Those four models are the Air Force 1 Low Supreme, Air Jordan 2012, Nike Kobe VII System Supreme and Zoom KD IV. Nike designers aligned Chinese culture to cosmopolitan aesthetics and added a touch of novelty to the nobility and greatness of the dragon. The number four is representative of a Chinese idiom that dragons rise out of four seas, conveying best wishes for the Chinese New Year.
The design team first renewed its glory with the Air Force 1 Low Supreme, this year's shoe inspired by the dragon robe. Features include a cloud-and-dragon pattern on the tongue, as well as a dragon design on the black silk texture of the side panels that evokes memories of royalty in China. A cloud-and-bat pattern on the sole is also pulled from the dragon robe, which is symbolic of good fortune in Chinese culture. Additionally, there's a Chinese character ‘Long’ (dragon) on the counter, the suede panel on the midsole and the wax-finished shoelaces.
Basketball's equivalent to the dragon's standing in Chinese culture is probably Michael Jordan, whose 2012 signature shoe will also be part of the pack. 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. The number is also the lucky number for Michael Jordan. In his 9th season between 1992 and 93, Michael set personal and association records. Inspired by this mystical connection, the Jordan Brand design team worked on the Air Jordan 2012 for the new collection. The theme color of blue and a contrasting yellow lining gives the message of supremacy, accentuated by the dragon pattern around the Jumpman on the tongue. The effect peaks in the limited edition packaging, where red background is decorated with golden dragon and Jumpman, bursting with Chinese features. Two cushions and three midsoles are available, offering functional and aesthetic benefits.
Kobe Bryant is known to be highly enamored with Chinese culture, particularly Chinese Kung Fu. The Year of the Dragon Kobe VII draws inspiration from Kobe's Italian roots and Kung Fu movies that have been filmed in that country. Italy's tri-color is featured on the shoe, as well as a matrix design on the upper with a special code spelling the message for Kobe. The cushion has been printed with Kobe's exclusive golden logo, while his signature and an animated dragon pattern on the outsole make for a unique Chinese New Year shoe.
Ironically, Kevin Durant was born in a Year of the Dragon, and with 2012 being the year of the Water Dragon, the Nike Basketball design team incorporated an array of watery elements into his Zoom KD IV. A rippling effect appears on the signature strap, in combination with the wave pattern on the tongue and the laser-etched blue shadows. A water dragon surrounds the KD logo on the heel and the whole piece is dominated by light blue and mango, symbolic of the Thunder.
Along with the four sneakers will be an all new Year of the Dragon Destroyer Jacket, also inspired by the dragon robe. The jacket features a woolen texture with black suede sleeves. A dragon theme is illustrated through the lining, with dragon claws embroidered on the lining and the back, set alive by the cloud-and-bat design. The jacket will be available by itself or along with the Air Force 1 Low Supreme, both in limited edition packaging.
Keep checking Sole Collector for release information and closer looks at each shoe.
