Union Los Angeles co-owners Chris Gibbs and Beth Birkett, fuonder of Bephie’s Beauty Supply, have taken inspiration from their enduring partnership as husband and wife as the foundation for their brands’ latest collaborative effort with Jordan.
Appropriately, the effort includes two sneakers: a classic Air Jordan 1 High Woven (Style code: FD2565-100) and a platform Jordan 1 Elevate, both of which are rooted in the summer of 1996, when Gibbs and Birkett first crossed paths while living in Brooklyn. Both shoes feature a white leather upper joined together with woven stitching that wraps around the shoe.
Reflecting on the early days of their relationship and the then rising streetwear and hip hop movement, Gibbs stated in a press release, “This time we take you back to the summer of ’96-the energy in Brooklyn around the time was unique, streetwear was in its infancy. Hip-hop was transitioning from the underground into the preeminent pop music it is today, and fashion? Well, just a reflection of the times.
“This capsule collection pays homage to the summer Beth and I met. The inspiration? Our love. As we look back now, we realize this summer was not only the foundation of our relationship but also the precursor to the litestyle movement we now call streetwear.”
While sizing and pricing isn’t yet available, both shoes are slated to launch on August 24, 2023. Look for both silhouettes to launch on SNKRS, unionlasangeles.com and bephiesbeautysupply.com.
