NIKE | Lunar New Year Collection: NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME

NIKE

A New Shoe Collection Inspired by the Chinese Zodiac

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME

Nike introduces four special edition sneakers celebrating the Year of the Dragon: the NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME, AIR JORDAN 2012, NIKE KOBE VII SYSTEM SUPREME, and NIKE ZOOM KD IV. Only the NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME will be released in Japan.

Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)

Wishing You a Prosperous Lunar New Year

This zodiac-inspired footwear collection marks its 11th year in 2012. This year, it features the dragon, revered as an ancestor of Chinese people and believed to command the forces of nature.

The release of these four models is inspired by the Chinese legend of the dragon emerging from the four seas, embodying a wish for a prosperous Lunar New Year.

NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME

Inspired by the dragon robes worn in the Qing Dynasty imperial court, the NIKE AIR FORCE 1 LOW SUPREME features a cloud dragon motif on the tongue and a dragon design rendered in black silk thread on the upper, evoking the Qing era. The bats and clouds on the insoles, symbols of good fortune, are also motifs found on actual dragon robes.

The meticulous craftsmanship extends to the "dragon" embroidery on the heel, the suede panels on the midsole, the embossed Swoosh reminiscent of scales, and the wax-finished laces.