For Chris Gibbs, owner of UNION LA, basketball culture has a direct line and organic flow into streetwear. So it’s fitting
that the latest round of the ongoing Jordan x UNION partnership sees that train of thought through. It acknowledges the feeling and emotion of Jordan beyond the arena, continuing an effort to capture a holistic view of the late ’80s and early ’90s, defined by advertising, music, street style—and yes, a few magic, competitive moments. With the Air Jordan IV as a starting point, Gibbs guides a collection that highlights creation and material. “The vision here was to mix suede and mesh, so we worked really hard to find the right materials”, Gibbs says. “For the suede, we took hints from other products with really thick but plush suede … For the mesh, we wanted an old-school mesh like the OG sneakers of the ’80s”. The result is an avant-garde adaptation of MJ’s fourth signature silhouette that breaks new ground in more ways than one.
Jordan Brand paid homage to MJ’s alma mater with the Air Jordan 4 University Blue. The University Blue colorway draws a close resemblance to the extremely rare Air Jordan 4 UNC PE that was given to Tarheel studentathletes in 2019.
The Air Jordan 4 University Blue features a University Blue suede upper with mesh netting on the quarter panel and tongue. Similar to OG Jordan 4 colorways of the past, the eyelets, heel tab, and sections of the midsole are a
speckled Cement Grey. Hits of black appear on the wing eyelets, sole, and Jumpman logo on the heel tab. Two woven labels are stitched to the tongue; one being the classic Jumpman woven label; the other being a Team Jordan jock tag. A black, white, and Tech Grey sole with a clear Air unit completes the design.
The Air Jordan 4 University Blue released in April of 2021 and retailed for
$200.
Nike Air Force 1 Low SP
AMBUSH Game Royal
Product Description
The Nike Air Force 1 Low SP AMBUSH Game Royal is a collaborative
sneaker in a dual color scheme.
It features a Royal Blue color both on the upper and the sole unit. It also displays extended Swooshes and pull tabs in a deep yellow shade. The branding “AMBUSH” sticks out from the support frame covering the lower part of the heel. A round perforated toe cap plus a co-branding tag at the tongue, a 3D printed “AF 1” lace tag, and protruding AIR branding are included in this design. The rubber sole has a linear pattern. The Nike Air Force 1 Low SP AMBUSH Game Royal debuted on December 16th, 2022, retailing at $190.
Nike SB Dunk Low
Civilist
After the Dunk High and dual Janoski outings comes the third collab between Nike SB and Berlin’s legendary hybrid skate shop Civilist
that takes it way, way back to the city’s DIY rave scene of the late ’80s. This nostalgic drop nods to the culture of the skate shop’s
neighbourhood in a time before smartphones, flat whites and social media. An underground mentality that celebrated the freedom and
expression unleashed by the weekend after the grind of the working week gets mirrored by the shoe’s transition from black leather
panels to an explosive multicolour palette. And just as Berlin Mitte’s techno clubs heated up, so the colours of this unforgettable shoe
only come to life when exposed to a higher temperature — a sign of good times, past and present.
