Edison Chen has also imprinted his profound knowledge of Chinese culture on the Air Jordan 5 “Jade”, so called because they celebrate the importance of the Jade stone in ancient Chinese tradition: a mineral that symbolizes beauty, protection, power and eternity, to be protected and celebrated. Just, in our opinion, like these Air Jordan 5s.
Crafted with textures and colors reminiscent of the Chinese jade ornaments that sparingly embellish traditional craftsmen, the model features a special black satin upper, reflective tongue and details inspired by the semi-precious stone.
Michael Jordan’s number 23 has been embroidered with special reflective thread on the back, further details feature fluorescent Chinese efficiencies and small fasteners reminiscent of jade stones.
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Joe Freshgoods x New Balance 993 ‘Performance Art’
Designed in a warm color palette reminiscent of Joe Freshgoods’ work, this pack continues the storytelling tradition of New Balance’s hand-crafted in the United States, with attention to detail and premium materials.
Aesthetically, it is one of the most refined trainers of 2022, affirming the collaboration between New Balance and Freshgoods as one of the most successful of the moment.
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Blondey Mccoy x adidas A.B Gazelles
These adidas A.B. Gazelles, created in collaboration with professional skateboarder, artist and designer Blondey McCoy, anticipate the Bloke Core trend of 2023, taking inspiration from 80s football culture and reinterpreting them with an avant-garde approach.
The collaboration is as successful as the release.
Nike’s first collaboration with a Chinese designer, artist and brand should be remembered. These SB Dunks take inspiration from Beijing‘s thriving music scene, are made from olive green suede and feature an embroidered tiger on the heel, a symbol of the East Coast Chinese Hip Hop musicians.
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Louis Vuitton x Air Force 1 Pack
To be counted among the most luxurious collaborations of 2022 – for those who can afford it – the Air Force 1 designed by the great Virgil Abloh is a true gem that, predictably, quickly generated insane resale prices.
The late Abloh‘s intention was to evoke the heyday of customizations with Louis Vuitton and Gucci logos by the likes of Dapper Dan, who made “parallel garments” for the black community in NY and all those who could not afford an original garment, in the 1970s and 1980s.
Read also: “Dapper Dan. A story of Love and Luxury”
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Comme des Garçons x Nike Air Max Sunder
CDG and Nike have finally resurrected fan favorites, the Nike Air Max Sunder. The shoe was first introduced in 1999, but could just as easily be unveiled this year, with its futuristic silhouette matching CDG‘s forward-thinking and somewhat catwalk aesthetic. The silhouette and finishing touches are refined, as are the materials used: the two brands have hit the mark once again.
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Nikecraft General Purpose Shoes x Tom Sachs
A winning horse can’t be changed. Perhaps that’s what Nike thought about its collaboration with New York-based contemporary artist Tom Sachs.
The two have delivered their promise of a return of the OG colorway called the ‘Studio’, giving fans of the model another chance to get their hands on it.
This Nikecraft features an essential silhouette, with lots of small details and signature Tom Sachs lettering, and is an ode to simple, yet highly refined trainers.
Snakeskin, suede, velvet and G-monogram: the Gucci x adidas Gazelle release is pure opulence, sophistication, luxury.
From premium materials to ’70s heritage style, this pack commemorates the monumental collaboration between the two brands, highlighting the hallmarks of each.
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Supreme x Nike Air Max 98 TL
During 2022, Nike and Supreme re-released the nearly forgotten Air Max 98 TL model, investing it with all the curiosity and attention it absolutely needed.
The model features four colourways, each with reflective detailing and the Supreme logo on the heel.
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Social Status x Nike Air Max Penny 2
The Social Status x Nike Air Max Penny 2 rightfully enters this list as one of the best collaborative releases of 2022. The Air Max Penny 2, born in collaboration with the Social Status Boutique was presented in two ‘Playground‘ colourways and created by listening to the cues and experiences of young people in every playground in the country.
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HUF x Nike Dunk SB Low ‘NYC’ and ‘San Francisco’
Last but not least on the list is the Nike Dunk SB in collaboration with HUF.
It’s been a while since HUF has indulged in any collaboration, and its return was indeed in style: the brand proved it still has a deft touch when it comes to creating shoes for both skaters and sneakerheads. Inspired by the cities in which HUF opened its first stores, these Dunks are also a tribute to the brand’s founder, the late professional skater Keith Hufnagel, and his original 2004 SB Dunk collaboration. Both colourways feature pull-on panels that reveal a tie-dye pattern inspired by the original HUF Dunks.
