Since its inception in 1982, the Nike Air Force 1 has crossed boundaries from the courts to the streets. What was once a trend is now a global streetwear staple. The evolution strives from the communities that have adopted and view it as a badge of honor through the power of expression.
Next month Nike is celebrating those neighborhoods, specifically those in New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago. This year’s versions of the shoe have been created by local designers and celebrate the sneaker for being a daily illustration of sports, music, fashion and art.
The AF-1 ‘ALL FOR 1’ Los Angeles silhouette is a collaboration with artist Lauren Halsey. A remix of the Triple Black High pays homage to LA.
“Celebrating the ones who cultivate community through creativity. Lauren’s signature style funkatizes the insole with a kaleidoscope of visuals, adorned in red and green accents, interchangeable straps, and inscribed with words of love,” according to the brand’s press release.
Inspired by iconic colors, familiar typographic design, and neighborhood Colby posters, Halsey’s edition is a visual tale of South Central LA. The shoe’s tongue tag is woven in with block text, the sock liner is a collage of storefronts, and a dubrae with hand-lettered screen printing, similar to Halsey’s Hieroglyph Crenshaw Project, gives new character to the shoe.
Describing the inspiration behind her AF-1, Halsey says “We all should move, create, and act with the conceit of love in our hearts. Love means family. It means my friends. It means my girlfriend. When I work and when I build, I think about who I can involve so that the projects are centered around love from beginning to end.”
Influenced by the South Central neighborhood she grew up in, the artist’s work reflects a sense of pride and fascination with all aspects of LA. She combines vibrant elements fabricated and handmade objects from around the city to build textured installations & monuments. Halsey’s sculptures are inscribed with sentiments from her community, aimed at authentically and poetically rewriting the narrative on both a local and global stage.
The shoe comes in men’s sizes 4 – 13, 14, 15 ($140).
Apparel in S – XXL includes a Tee ($40), L/S Tee ($45), and Joggers ($65).
The AF-1 ‘ALL FOR ONE’ LA edition releases in select Los Angeles retailers, the SNKRS app, and Nike.com on December 7th.
Images provided by NIKE.
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