Air Jordan and stylist Aleali May officially have announced plans for a collaborative Jordan Retro 1 sneaker, a shoe that channels May’s Los Angeles roots.
Her all-time favorite model, May’s version of the shoe is detailed with black corduroy, a reference to the house slippers her father picked up at Slauson Swapmeet, a Los Angeles flea market. The chenille Swoosh, plus satin and orange detailing reference the Los Angeles Kings and Oakland Raiders Starter jackets.
On Instagram, May wrote, “Growing up in South Central, L.A. and receiving Jordans from Uncle G, a young Aleali would’ve thought having her own shoe was impossible. One of the many things I’ve taken away from Michael Jordan is that he made the impossible, possible. This collaboration with [Jordan] is dedicated to my city, Los Angeles.”
The color scheme that blends a silver satin forefront and heel, orange tongue accents and a chenille gray Swoosh are all a shout out to vintage varsity jackets popular in her community growing up.
May also turned heads earlier this month when she showed a millennial pink Jordan Retro VI. May described it as a shoe made for “friends and family,” though Jordan described her Retro I launched as “her latest Jordan brand collaboration” so perhaps there is more to come including the Retro 5.
One side note, while Jordan Retro shoes have never been offered in women’s sizing, we have heard from sources that beginning next year, the brand will introduce women’s sizing.
Offered in men’s and grade school sizing, May’s Jordan I will be sold at nike.com and select retalers on October 28, 2017.
