Introduction to Nike’s Latest Sneaker Drop
On Saturday, the American Sportswear giant Nike started its latest sneaker in collaboration with the creative collective Air Afrique, which is based in Paris in West Africa Côte d’Ivoire, and set a new precedent for sneaker drops worldwide.
A New Precedent for Sneaker Drops
This is the first time that Nike has released a sneaker in Africa before it starts globally. “We constantly challenge ourselves to reinterpret the rules of the game for tomorrow. [to] Explore new alleys in culture that take advantage of the youth and find new possibilities of doing [so]” Pia Hazoule from Nike tells. Hazoume joined the company in 2022 and is responsible for the guidance of projects in the cultural ecosystem, including creative experience with artists and designers as well as product collaborations such as Nike X Air Afrique.
The New Sneaker: RK61
The new sneaker named RK61 is a clothing shoe that sits somewhere between a loafer and a sneaker and contains the legendary air technology from Nike, as can be seen on popular models such as the Air Max. The shoe experimentally in the design is also a tribute to the history of Air Afrique-the-resolution Panafrican airline in the 1960s and 1970s was a popular means of transport that brought passengers between several African cities.
Design Details and Inspiration
Design details nod on Air Afrique’s aviation history, including an Air Max unit inspired by a jet engine, the Morse code "Air Afrique" on the outsole, a zipper with the original logo of the airline and a Jacquard -Sock -Liners inspired by the aircraft seats. The sneaker is sold in all markets for $210 in retail.
The Power of African Creatives
Leading brands of fashion and sportswear cannot ignore the power and influence of African creatives in the diaspora, as they offer a unique opportunity to speak to communities on and outside the continent. “The new generation [and] The cultural scene in West Africa is booming, ”says Hazoume.“ This collaboration was now born in Paris and beyond that this collaboration was born as recognition of the common African influences among many emerging creative and athletes.
The Nike X Air Afrique Air Max RK61 Campaign
Sprinter Marie Josée Ta Lou-Smith has the Nike X Air Afrique Air Max RK61 campaign. The campaign features the new sneaker and showcases the unique design and inspiration behind it. With the kind permission of Nike, the campaign photos are available, giving a glimpse into the latest sneaker drop from Nike.
