In advance of his third capsule with NikeLab, titled NikeLab x RT, designer Riccardo Tisci sat down with Complex magazine to discuss his thoughts on the design process for this launch. Tisci says his inspiration for this set of offerings was in part inspired by his own childhood dream to own Nike, which his family was too poor to afford. “I know what it’s like to dream, to be part of a dream, and not be able to buy financially. It’s sad. I remember when I was a child and I couldn’t do that, and this is why I was obsessed with Nike because I couldn’t afford Nike,” said Tisci.
The collaborative collection is divided into two drops, one includes black and white clothing and a black pair of Free Train Force Flyknit shoes, while the second features multi-colored flower print clothes incorporating flowers from Oregon, Italy and Brazil, (respectively the homes of Nike, Tisci and the upcoming summer Olympics). The Flyknit shoe is also multi-colored. Tisci says in his mind the collection is unisex though there are pieces specifically made and size for both sexes. This collection is set to launch before the start of the Olympics on August 5th.
Illuminati obsessives will be delighted to know the colored Flyknit silhouette includes a stripe designed to recall a cleft hoof. “An animal is the best with running, jumping,” explained Tisci. Mmm-hmmm.
All images via Complex as styled by Matthew Henson and shot by Andy Hur.