Started from the bottom

History of Air Jordan Retros with “Nike Air” Branding

Jordan Brand’s impressive appetite-filling series of Retro releases over the last decade or so should have satiated even the hungriest of Air Jordan collectors and enthusiasts. Should have. The original Defining Moments Package of 2006, the Collezione in 2008, the Bin 23 Collection, the in-depth plot-driven Kilroy Pack – all of those and more gave us enough reason to perpetually shell out our savings to lace up in Jays, but one gaping hole continues to be left unfulfilled since 2001 – the appearance of the original Nike Air. It’s nothing more than a piece of molded plastic, but its absence was still a void that was eventually left ignored seeing that a return of Nike Air had less to do with production and more to do with brand identity (Jordan would branch out to form its own label, albeit under Nike, Inc.) – but the desire was still there. Even today, hardcore enthusiasts continue to shell out hundreds and hundreds of dollars to get their hands on Nike Air branded Jordan Retros from the 1999-2001 era – shoes that are on the cusp of complete physical breakdown.

Why is Nike Air so cherished? Because it’s the perfect embodiment of a Retro release. It’s the undeniable original form that we were graced with back in the late 1980s, so even the most well-done Air Jordan Retros – the Air Jordan VI ‘Infrared’ from the 2010 Pack release, the Air Jordan IV ‘Bred’ from 2008/2012, the Air Jordan V ‘Black/Metallic’ in 2007 to name a few – would be unable to achieve a 100% grade. The era from Air Jordan III to VI is considered by many to be the most lustrous period of the Air Jordan Golden Era (or when Tinker was the architect), and it just happens to be the same span that utilized the large Nike Air logo on the heel.


A quick side-note: The Air Jordan 1 and even the Air Jordan II shouldn’t be ignored either as both featured ‘Nike’ as well, but they aren’t exactly part of the exclusive III-VI fraternity. Without a large Nike Air branding and with someone other than Tinker behind the wheel, the two earliest chapters of the Air Jordan legacy are seen on a different regard.

Yesterday, Jordan Brand filled that twelve-year long gap by releasing the Air Jordan III Retro ’88. Like the original, these featured Nike Air on the heel as well as the inner lining, but the outsole was labeled with JORDAN rather than Nike Air – that detail alone would’ve made the MSRP more than it already was. Even at the elevated $200 MSRP, which to this date is the highest MSRP ever for a single Air Jordan Retro release (more than the Premio, but less than the single-pair Pack style releases like the 2006 Thunder/Lightning, the Levi’s Pack, etc.), droves of consumers swarmed their computers for the online-only release. The interesting detail of yesterday’s release was that it wasn’t a completely random or out-of-place occurence, but a calculated retelling of a memorable moment in Jordan’s career and sports history as a whole – the 1988 Dunk Contest. Twenty-five years ago, Michael took off from the free-throw line in acrobatic fashion and froze in mid-air to create an iconic piece of sports imagery that speaks volumes on motivation and human ability.

So with Jordan Brand using events in Jordan’s career to bring back original Air Jordans, will we see more Nike Air in the future? Perhaps the Air Jordan VI ‘Infrared’ to commemorate the first NBA Title? The Air Jordan IV ‘Bred’ as a throwback to ‘The Shot’? What we do know is that whatever wall was between the Retro and the original branding has been broken down to some degree, so enjoy this chronological review of every Air Jordan Retro to feature Nike Air and let us know what you think this signifies for future Retro releases.

3.1 Phillip Lim Detachable Panel Zip Athletic Jacket

 

 

 

If you enjoy having options with your wardrobe, take a look at this 3.1 Phillip Lim Athletic Jacket ($750). Available in black, beige and white, this jacket features a removable flap panel at the bottom, two-way zipper down the front, and ribbed cuffs. How would you wear this, and more importantly, which color would you choose?

Neil Barrett Notch Rever Leather Sleeve Blazer

 

 

Neil Barrett’s Notch Rever Leather Sleeve Blazer ($2,072) presents a refined yet modern look. The slim fit jacket has an longer front, a shorter black knit back, sleek black leather sleeves, notched lapels, a two button front closure, and three flap pockets at the waist. Available in navy and black, would you rock this Neil Barrett creation?

2014 Bentley Flying Spur Teaser

Pharrell Williams talks to Alex Gorlin & Daniel Arsham

Pharrell Williams sits down with Alex Gorlin, a renowned architect known for bringing warmth to modern design, and Daniel Arsham, an artist who blurs the line between art & architecture, challenging convention by placing shapes in unexpected places. Gorlin and Arsham share their influences inlcuding Marcel Duchamp and Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour

Beyoncé has announced dates for her first multi-city tour in over three years, “The Mrs. Carter Show World Tour.”

EUROPE

April 15 – Belgrade, Serbi – Kombank Arena
April 17 – Zagreb, Croatia – Arena Zagreb
April 19 – Bratislava, Slovakia – Slovnaft Arena
April 22 – Amsterdam, Holland – Ziggo Dome
April 24 – Paris, France – Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
April 25 – Paris, France – Palais Omnisports de Paris-Bercy
April 26 – Birmingham, UK – LG Arena
April 29 – London, UK – The O2
April 30 – London, UK – The O2
May 1 – London, UK – The O2
May 3 – London, UK – The O2
May 7 – Manchester, UK – Manchester Arena
May 11 – Dublin, Ireland – The O2
May 12 – Dublin, Ireland – The O2
May 14 – Antwerp, Belgium – Sportpaleis
May 17 – Zurich, Switzerland – Hallenstadion
May 18 – Milan, Italy – Mediolanum Forum
May 20 – Montpellier, France – Park & Suites Arena
May 22 – Munich, Germany – Olympiahalle
May 24 – Berlin, Germany – O2 World
May 25 – Warsaw, Poland – National Stadium—Orange Warsaw Festival
May 27 – Copenhagen, Denmark – Forum
May 28 – Oslo, Norway – Telenor Arena
May 29 – Stockholm, Sweden – Ericsson Globe Arena