With the South Africa World Cup just around the corner Nike has invited six high profile artists to re-interpret their national kit. Representing the USA is the legendary Mr Cartoon, who gives the staid old eagle crest a fresh lease of life. Ditching the red, white and blue for a predominantly black look, the USA Team Kit includes an Air Zoom Tiempo, Air Footscape Freemotion and Lunar Hyper-Ventilate.
Six Collaborations spawned from Nike Sportswear’s desire to celebrate the beautiful game of football in a way that connects to the national team fans who dwell at the intersection of sports and culture. In 2006, Nike collaborated with a group of artists to curate and design environments and spaces that represented their countries, but there was no product connection to this partnerships. This year, Nike worked with established and emerging artists from six countries to create alternative National Team Kits that flip the script on the classic football kit. “We wanted to include the kinds of apparel and accessories that would be in a footballers bag,” “They would be the same colors of on-field uniforms, but with the artists’ twists.” says Jarrett Reynolds, Nike Sportswear Apparel Design Director. In order to accomplish this, the Nike team asked artists contribute a badge, mascot, print and an alphabet in their handwriting style. Each collaboration includes N98 Track Jacket, AW 77 hoodie, kit tee, polo shirt and short for both men and women; then tee for men and tank for women.
