Trying On the New, Evolved Form of Sport x Streetwear: 'NIKE SPORTSWEAR' (2)
The New Evolution of Sport x Street Style
Trying on NIKE SPORTSWEAR (Part 2)
It's been 36 years since NIKE was born. I don't think I encountered them in America back in '76 when I first visited. Looking at the premium collection 'NSW COLLECTION' from 'NIKE SPORTSWEAR,' debuting this fall, brought back memories of my connection with NIKE from when I first discovered them. NIKE's archives vividly bring my own memories back to life.
Narration by Yoshiyuki ShimazuCompiled by Makoto Kaji, The MagazinePhoto by Jamandfix
The NIKE DNA Felt in NIKE SPORTSWEAR
This is especially true for the stadium jackets I tried on last time, and the 'logo-less' baseball jacket I'm introducing today. I really feel that they are based on NIKE's accumulated history in sports and their vast lineup.
For those of us who have followed NIKE since the 80s, it feels both nostalgic and new, while for teenagers and those in their 20s, it probably looks revolutionary.
It's not just a simple 'reissue' of the past; the addition of the latest design innovations and technologies to this foundation allows it to appeal to all generations.
It can be worn in the city, used outdoors, styled for high fashion, and allows for physical activity. The environment surrounding sports in our daily lives has become commonplace.
With no logos on the chest, stadium jackets and baseball jackets, in particular, have the potential to become modern classics like the MA-1 or M65 of the 21st century.
My NIKE AIR FORCE 1
For me, NIKE actually means 'AIR FORCE 1.' I wonder how many pairs I own; it must be over 100.
I remember buying my first AIR FORCE 1s around '82 at Beams. I've since discarded those, but I believe the pair on the right, which is dirty, is from around '86 or '87.
From left: DUNK De La Soul limited collaboration model, AIR FORCE 1 created with NIKE ID, DUNK created with NIKE ID
From left: SUPREME model, AIR FORCE 1 purchased around '86-'87
AIR FORCE 1s have a playful quality. I like white, and most of my AIR FORCE 1s are white-based. I also like them because they are easy to pair with both suits and jeans.
I became increasingly hooked from the era when AIR FORCE 1s linked with high-tech fashion.
The Evolution of Fashion and Sportswear
Aoyama and Harajuku are still fascinating areas today; Omotesando and Cat Street are like fashion runways. The streets have become catwalks, and everyone is making a great effort with their style.
Watching them, I feel that sportswear is evolving faster than fashion. The boundary between sports and street style is blurring, with more items that can be worn directly from a workout into the city.
What I found interesting in this phenomenon was Riccardo Tisci's Spring/Summer 2009 'GIVENCHY' men's collection.
It had a world similar to womenswear, but with extensive use of leggings and raglan-sleeved baseball shirts. It was very feminine yet also full of a sporty sensibility.
Perhaps sport is the keyword in an era where fashion is shifting from trends to something more personal.